Sparta Prague vs Salzburg prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-09-17 16:45.
[p]After being eliminated at the qualifying phase no fewer than nine times, Sparta Prague finally return to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) proper after 19 years away. The Czech champions have already come through three qualifying ties to get here, and appear primed to attack Europeâs premier competition after making a stunning start to the campaign – going unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions (W11, D2).[/p]
[p]Six of those games came in the UCL and saw Sparta rattle in 14 goals, so theyâll certainly be confident as they welcome Salzburg for the first game in the main draw of the UCL between a Czech and Austrian side since 1983/84! Sparta’s belief will only be aided by a return of just one defeat – against Liverpool no less – from their last 11 European home matches (W6, D4), while a strong H2H record against Austrian opposition (W4, D4, L1) should serve as an additional confidence boost.[/p]
[p]Thatâs unlikely to faze Salzburg, who have now reached the main draw of the UCL in each of the last six seasons – one of only two sides from outside Europeâs traditional âbig-fiveâ leagues to achieve that (with Shakhtar Donetsk). The Red Bulls reached the knockout stage just once from their five previous attempts, so the quest for Pep Lijndersâ men is clear in this brand new league phase.[/p]
[p]The Austrians must fancy their chances with the top 24 sides progressing to at least a play-off, but theyâll be keen to sort their away form in this competition to guarantee success. Salzburg have won just four of their last 19 UCL proper away matches (D6, L9) including only one of their last ten (D4, L5), and that dismal run is one they canât afford to continue with games against Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid and PSG still to come later down the line.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: New Sparta signing Albion Rrahmani has already scored three times this campaign, one of which came in a UCL home match against Malmö – each of his last four strikes at club level were the second goal of the game. All four of Dorgeles Neneâs goals this term for Salzburg have come on the road, including two in the UCL inside the opening half-hour.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Sparta are winless in their last 14 games in the main draw of the UCL (D4, L10), with their most recent victory coming against Lazio in December 2003.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]