Sparta Prague is set to host FCSB in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final qualifier, as they attempt to make a comeback to the biggest stage of club football. The game will take place at Epet Aena in front of 18,000 eager fans who hope to see their local team gain an advantage before heading to Bucharest for the final showdown.
Sparta Prague has a long history in European football, starting over six decades ago with an impressive performance in the Cup Winner’s Cup. They have become a dominant force in Central Europe, reaching the group phase of a European competition three times in the last four seasons. While they have yet to reach the Champions League Group stage, they came close in the previous four seasons, falling short in the last qualifying round against AS Monaco and FC Copenhagen.
After knocking out Slavia Prague from their throne, Sparta Prague had an impressive campaign in the play-off Championship group, winning the title with a 2-point lead over their bitter rivals. Lars Friis’s side is the clear favorite to knock out the Romanian Champions, but they will need some luck to make it to the biggest stage in European football.
Sparta Prague had a successful summer preparation, making final adjustments to their squad. They ended their tour with a spectacular draw against former Austria champions, Salzburg. The team reached its peak just before the season debut and opened their title defense with a win against Pardubice. They have been on a stellar run with five consecutive wins across all competitions.
In the previous Champions League qualifying round, Sparta Prague maintained their status by knocking out Shamrock Rovers in great style. They also started their domestic campaign strongly, retaining their Fortuna Liga leader spot with 9 points after three rounds.
With no major injury concerns, Lars Friis will line up a strong attacking formation led by Victor Olatunji, who will be looking to strike decisively against FCSB, just as he did against Shamrock Rovers.
On the other hand, FCSB won the title last season after many years of disappointing their fans domestically and in Europe. Their ultimate goal is to reach the Champions League Group Stage, a feat they last achieved a decade ago.
FCSB started their Champions League run by destroying San Marino side Virtus in the first qualifying round. They then faced a tough challenge against Maccabi Tel Aviv but managed to secure their qualification. However, they have struggled in their domestic championship, failing to win any games (D2, L1). Although they are undefeated against Sparta Prague in their previous encounters, this pattern is unlikely to continue in Prague since FCSB has only won one match out of their last four played across all competitions.
Righ-back Alexandru Pantea and attacking winger Octavian Popescu will not be available for FCSB due to injuries.
Key factors to consider in this match include Sparta Prague’s perfect start to their campaign, both domestically and in Europe, with 10 goals scored in their last three games. On the other hand, FCSB has struggled in the Romanian championship and has a mixed recent record against Sparta Prague.
In conclusion, Sparta Prague’s strong start to their campaign points to a home win against FCSB. With the visitors’ upfront quality diminishing and some key players unavailable due to injuries, it is expected that Sparta Prague will come out on top at Epet Aena.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 11/25
Bookmaker: ZetBet
