The leading teams from their countries consistently dominate in national championships, but European tournaments demand special preparation and a higher level of play. Since these teams seldom meet at such a high level, the upcoming clash is even more intriguing, so for insights into these matches, turn to all football prediction.
Evaluating Sparta chances
Sparta Prague, for many, unexpectedly managed to inflict an away defeat on the experienced Swedish Malmo a sneak into the group stage. But, somehow, it is hard to believe that the Czech team will play a clean sheet in defence in both games with the mega-attacking Scandinavians. After all, a clean sheet in defence is a very rare occurrence in the game repertoire of the current Sparta, which usually prefers a very open tactical scheme 4-3-3.
And if we draw a parallel with the previous European Cup matches of the “Spartans”, where they allowed a lot ahead not only to the famous Romanian Steaua 1:1, 3:2, but also to the simple Irish Shamrock Rovers 4:2 (at home in the return match, after also 2:0 away), it becomes clear that not everything is decided yet in this pair!
The team traditionally rely on an organised defence, especially in home matches. However, against the fast and mobile attacks of Salzburg, Sparta’s defence may have difficulties, especially if the Austrians are able to quickly switch from defence to attack.
Red bull as the favourite
Salzburg’s team confidently advanced to the group stage of the Champions League. Yes, perhaps judging by the names, the team’s roster is not so powerful and bright now – not so many stars, a lot of youth. But even in this form, it copes with the tasks set – wins the championship in the Austrian Bundesliga, plays in European cups. This is great.
For “Salzburg”, the Champions League began a little earlier: in the previous stage, the team met with the Dutch “Twente”. As a result, the Austrians were able to advance further (2:1, 3:3). In the first match against Dynamo, the team showed itself excellently: controlled the course of the match, successfully realised its moments.
As a result – a confident away victory with a score of 2:0. Over the past two seasons, “Salzburg” has scored an average of two goals per game in European cups. The team is known for its fast play on counterattacks and pressing on the opponent’s half of the field, which often puts opponents in a difficult position.
Match Prediction
Now let’s note how Sparta and Malmö are performing in the current regular competitions. In particular, in the Czech League 1, the capital’s “Spartans” are currently conceding from almost everyone, both away and at home. For example, in the last round, Sparta received as many as 2 slaps in their goal in Prague from the usual Slovacko 2:2.
In general, in the last 13 duels, Sparta’s defence remained untouched only in 3 cases, conceding 2 goals (+) in 5 games. Taking into account Salzburg’s experience in the Champions League and their ability to adapt to opponents at a high level, the Austrians look like favourites. However, Sparta’s home support may play a role, and the visitors cannot count on an easy match. From all this follows the bet: both teams to score and total over 2.5 goals.
