Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid will lock horns for the first time in their respective histories on Tuesday night, as they battle it out in a crucial Champions League encounter.
With both sides struggling to find consistency in the competition, this match promises to be a tightly contested affair at the Epet Arena.
Match Preview
Sparta Prague have had a mixed start to their Champions League campaign, winning two and losing two of their opening four matches.
The Czech outfit sit in 26th place in the overall Champions League table, just one point behind 24th-placed PSV Eindhoven.
Striker Victor Olatunji has been a bright spark for Sparta, finding the net on eight occasions this season.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have endured a challenging start to their European campaign, losing to both Benfica and Lille.
The Spanish giants are currently in 23rd position in the Champions League table, having collected just six points from their opening four matches.
However, Atletico’s form in La Liga has been more impressive, with Diego Simeone’s side sitting third in the domestic league, five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Sparta Prague’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team winning just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
Their Champions League campaign has seen them secure a 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg and a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart, but they have since suffered heavy defeats against Manchester City (5-0) and Brest (2-1).
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have been on a roll, winning their last five matches in all competitions, including a crucial 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The Red and Whites’ recent La Liga form has also been impressive, with a 2-1 win over Alaves keeping them in the hunt for the league title.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Sparta Prague and Atletico Madrid, as the two sides have never faced each other in a competitive fixture before.
Team News
Sparta Prague will be without the services of Veljko Birmancevic (thigh) and Angelo Preciado (knee) due to injury.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will once again be without the injured Thomas Lemar, while Robin Le Normand is also unlikely to feature.
Predicted Starting Line-ups
Sparta Prague (4-3-3):
Vindahl;
Vitik, Panak, Cobbaut;
Wiesner, Laci, Kairinen, Rynes;
Pesek, Olatunji, Rrahmani
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Oblak;
Azpilicueta, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan;
Llorente, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher;
Griezmann, Alvarez
Prediction
This match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams desperate to pick up a positive result.
Sparta Prague have shown they can be a tough opponent at home, but Atletico Madrid’s recent form and pedigree in the Champions League suggest they have the edge.
The Spanish giants’ ability to grind out results, coupled with their attacking firepower, could prove to be the difference in this encounter.
- Score Prediction: Sparta Prague 0-2 Atletico Madrid
Betting Tips
– Atletico Madrid to win
– Under 2.5 goals
– Antoine Griezmann to score anytime
