Atletico Madrid travel to Sparta Prague for a match-day five fixture in the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniards are showing some good form lately and should have the upper hand over Sparta, who have been out of sorts.
It has been a rough ride in the Champions League for Sparta Prague, who have seen their campaign go steadily downhill. They began with a 3-0 victory over Salzburg but are now winless in their last three matches and were beaten 2-1 at home by Brest last time out.
Sparta Prague’s overall form has also been disappointing as they are winless in their last four matches across all competitions. Lars Friis’ men have been beaten twice in that run but played out a 1-1 draw with Teplice in a domestic fixture at the weekend.
Atletico Madrid have not been spectacular in the Champions but are showing some decent form. They have won two of their four matches so far and triumphed 2-1 at PSG in their previous fixture.
The win over PSG is part of a fine run of form for Atletico Madrid, who have won their last five matches across all competitions. However, Diego Simeone’s men are a bit unconvincing at the back as was obvious in their come from behind 2-1 win over Alaves at the weekend.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Atletico
Atletico Madrid have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 3/5 by Betfred to claim the win. Sparta Prague are considered outsiders at home with Betfred offering 4/1 for a win while a draw is set at odds of 13/5.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid.
Players to watch: Eyes on Alvarez
Atletico Madrid have plenty of attacking quality but Julian Alvarez could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward has five goals across all competitions this season and is priced at 6/5 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid have conceded in every Champions League match this season and Sparta Prague will look to capitalise. Victor Olatunji has two goals in the competition and is priced at 18/5 by Betfred to find the net once again.
Probable line-up
Sparta Prague have a few players sidelined with injury, including Veljko Birmancevic, Angelo Preciado and Jaroslav Zeleny. Elias Cobbaut also went off in the first half at the weekend and should be replaced by Martin Vitik while Olatunji should continue in attack.
Julian Alvarez should come in to partner Antoine Griezmann in attack for Atletico Madrid after coming off the bench at the weekend. Rodrigo De Paul is also pushing to start in midfield while Jose Gimenez should return to the defence.
Sparta Prague: Vindahl, Vitik, Panak, Sorensen, Rynes, Sadilek, Kairinen, Suchomel, Haraslin, Pesek, Olatunji
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Galan, Lenglet, Gimenez, Azpilicueta, De Paul, Koke, Barrios, Llorente, Griezmann, Alvarez
Anything else catch the eye?
Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid are unconvincing in defence and both teams could be backed to score at 5/6 with Betfred. The Spaniards have seen over 2.5 goals in all four of their Champions League matches and a repeat is priced at 5/6 with Betfred, who is also offering odds of 9/4 for over 3.5 goals.
With Atletico Madrid priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at 6/4 with Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid will be played on Nov 26, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Sparta Prague vs Atletico Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
