The clash between Sparta Prague and Brest may not seem attractive compared to the elite matches that will be played at the same time, but these smaller teams often produce the most interesting fixtures.
Furthermore, Brest are making a splash in their debut appearance in a UEFA competition and sit right below the top of the League table, right next to all the big favourites.
The team remains unbeaten after three rounds and picked up wins over Sturm Graz and Salzburg. But perhaps their greatest achievement was the draw against Bayer Leverkusen a couple of weeks ago.
Sparta Prague also recorded a positive start in the competition, crushing Salzburg 3-0 in the opening round and stealing a point from Stuttgart. But they met Man City in the previous fixture and got obliterated with 5-0 on the road.
Curiously, the hosts are going through a crisis in the domestic league, having recorded four defeats in their last five fixtures. It is becoming harder and harder for them to handle the tight schedule, which may play well into the hands of the ambitious Pirates.
How the bookies view it: Are Brest overpriced?
It is too early to appoint Brest as betting favourites against any team on the road but a couple more wins could change that. Right now, Sparta Prague have the advantage in odds but bookmakers believe it will be a tight contest. Betano gave Sparta 13/9 to win and Brest 23/12, which is dangerously close. The draw sits at 33/14.
Recent head to head: First time for everything
As this is Brest's debut in Europe, they haven't faced many of the usual teams we see each year. This will be the first fixture between Sparta Prague and Brest.
Players to watch: Someone new has to step up
Abdallah Sima will remain on the sidelines for this match, which means that Brest will be without their top striker in the Champions League. He scored three goals in three appearances to date.
In this case, you can either opt for Mama Balde or Ludovic Ajorque as they will start up front for the French side. Both players have two goals in Ligue 1 this season but are yet to find the net in Europe.
Probable line-ups
Sparta Prague: Vindahl, Sorensen, Panak, Wiesner, Rynes, Vitik, Sadilek, Laci, Solbakken, Danek, Rrahmani
Brest: Bizot, Lala, Amavi, Le Cardinal, Coulibaly, Lees-Melou, Del Castillo, Camara, Magnetti, Ajorque, Balde
Anything else catch the eye?
Brest are clearly focusing their best efforts on the Champions League as the team has been performing much better here than in the domestic league. And with Sparta Prague being out of shape, this could be a turning point for both teams on their road to the title.
Brest's recent performance against Bayer Leverkusen was proof that the team is prepared to handle the best in the world. The draw was a perfectly natural result given the performances of both sides, and we would back the Pirates on Wednesday.
Sparta Prague are unlikely to go down without a fight and the BTTS market is looking very attractive. However, based on the fact that Brest did not concede against Salzburg and Sturm Graz, but scored 3+ goals, the Over may be the safer option.
This UEFA Champions League match between Sparta Prague and Brest will be played on Nov 6, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sparta Prague vs Brest prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
