Sparta Prague hold a solid advantage as they return to Epet Arena for their UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Malmo. The Czechs have been impressive this season and should complete the double over their Swedish visitors.
Sparta Prague were impressive in the first leg as they eased to a straightforward 2-0 victory over Malmo. A first half own-goal from Jens Stryger Larsson set them on their way before Matej Rynes netted the winner two minutes from time.
That result is part of a solid start to the season for Sparta Prague, who are yet to suffer defeat across all competitions so far. That win in the first leg also provided Lars Friis’ men with their first clean sheet of the season.
Manager Henrik Rydstrom will be disappointed that Malmo came away empty-handed from the first meeting. They saw a lot of possession but failed to create much going forward and were wasteful with their few chances.
While Malmo are setting the pace in the Allsvenskan, they have not been particularly convincing in the Champions League. They have picked up just one win in the qualifiers, claiming a 4-3 extra time victory at PAOK in the previous round to book a place in the playoffs.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Sparta
Sparta Prague have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 9/10 by Betfred. A victory for Malmo is valued at 5/2 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 11/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Sparta with the edge
Sparta Prague have a 3-2 advantage from five previous matches against Malmo. The Czech side have already beaten their rivals twice this year, claiming a 2-1 victory in a friendly back in February before last week’s 2-0 win.
Players to watch: Eyes on Olatunji
Victor Olatunji has caught the eye for Sparta Prague this season, scoring three goals across all competitions. The Nigerian forward could be joined in attack by Veljko Brmancevic and Lukas Haraslin and all three men could 3nsure the Czechs produce over 1.5 goals at 4/5 with Betfred.
Isaac Kiese Thelin and Erik Botheim have a solid attacking partnership for Malmo and will be tasked with orbiting the spark on Tuesday. Both men can combine to ensure the visitors produce over 0.5 goals at 4/11 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Olatunji and Haraslin were second half substitutes for Sparta Prague at the weekend and should return to the starting line-up. Filip Panak is also expected to retain his place in the heart of the defence.
Kiese Thelin and Botheim are expected to continue in attack, with Hugo Bolin providing support. Sergio Pena should start in midfield while Pontus Jansson is set to retain his place in defence.
Sparta Prague: Vindahl, Vitik, Panak, Sorensen, Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Rynes, Haraslin, Brmancevic, Olatunji
Malmo: Dahlin, Stryger Larsson, Jansson, Zetterstrom, Busanello, Nanasi, Berg Johnsen, Pena, Bolin, Botheim, Kiese Thelin
Anything else catch the eye?
Sparta Prague and Malmo produced over 3.5 goals in their domestic fixtures over the weekend and a repeat is priced at 13/8 with Betfred. Having scored in both halves in the first meeting, the Czechs could be set for a similar pattern at 13/8 with Betfred.
Malmo saw more goals after the break last weekend and a similar outcome is priced at 2/1 by Betfred.
This UEFA Champions League match between Sparta Prague and Malmo will be played on Aug 27, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sparta Prague vs Malmo prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
