LIVERPOOL have been playing so many high-pressure games of late but they can finally relax a little when Sparta Prague come calling in the Europa League as the Czech side need to overturn a 5-1 deficit to reach the quarter-finals.
In the past month, Jurgen Klopp's side have crammed in eight games across four different competitions, lifting the League Cup along the way and booking a slot in the FA Cup last eight.
The prize they cherish most for their departing gaffer is another Premier League title and the Reds remain right in the mix after a thrilling 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City on Sunday.
But a clean sweep is still on the cards and this Europa League clash is followed by another high-stakes game as Liverpool head to Old Trafford on Sunday for an FA Cup tie with old enemies Manchester United.
Last week's 5-1 win in Prague will give Klopp the chance to rest some weary limbs and I'd imagine he'll bring lots of kids back into this side to face Sparta Prague.
That hammering last Thursday was harsh on the Czech side as they wasted so many chances, although the goal they did grab brought up a bet for our man Mark.
Brian Priske's side followed that up by taking another heavy defeat in the Czech league, crashing 4-0 away to Viktoria Plzen with 10 men. They now lead rivals Slavia by just a point at the top of the table so Priske might also field a shadow side at Anfield to prioritise domestic matters.
How the bookies view it
Sparta Prague are now 28/1 outsiders at McBookie to reach the quarter-finals and the Czechs are 8/1 with William Hill for a win on the night. Liverpool's best price for an Anfield victory is just 1/3 at StarSports while the draw pays 5/1 with most firms.
Head to head
Liverpool are now unbeaten in their three meetings with Sparta Prague, with two wins and a draw. The Czechs last visited Anfield in the Europa League 13 years ago and ended up losing 1-0.
Players to watch
Youngster Lewis Koumas scored at Anfield in the FA Cup against Southampton when Klopp last made a raft of changes. I'd imagine the kid will get another chance in this game and he's 15/8 with Bet365 for a goal.
Striker Indrit Tuci came off the bench for Sparta Prague in the first leg and could get a start at Anfield if Priske rotates too. The Albanian has seven goals for the season and is 10/3 with Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool are usually good value for goals at both ends but this match could also turn into a training exercise if the Reds score early to kill off the tie once and for all. Klopp always tells his players to attack though and the youngsters will be desperate to put on a show. That makes me think combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals could be the shout at 10/11 with Paddy Power.
Klopp's side didn't pick up any cards in Prague and will want to avoid falling foul of the ref ahead of the business end of the competition. Betting against both teams receiving a card could pay off and that is priced 6/4 by Bet365.
Liverpool's high line usually leads to a few offsides and backing Sparta Prague to stray offside over 2.5 times pays a decent 6/4 with SkyBet.
This UEFA Europa League match between Liverpool and Sparta Prague will be played on Mar 14, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Liverpool vs Sparta Prague prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
