Verdict: Sparta Prague win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Already storming their way to a Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket, Sparta Prague will sign off their group stage campaign when they welcome Aberdeen to the Czech Republic on Thursday night.
Sparta Prague
Starting with the hosts, while Sparta Prague might have a real battle on their hands in the race to reclaim their domestic crown this season, the Czech giants should take plenty of positives away from their exploits on the continent. Already storming their way to a Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket, Brian Priske’s side have registered 10 points from their five group stage appearances. Last seen in European action landing a 2-1 win away at Romanian outfit Universitatea Craiova, Sparta should also be excited by their defensive steel. Landing a 1-0 win against Legia Warsaw last month, Sparta have shipped just three Europa Conference League goals this year. In fact, only three clubs in this season’s tournament have conceded fewer goals than Thursday’s hosts.
Sparta Prague Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not featuring since the end of August, Sparta Prague will once again be without Danish midfielder Magnus Andersen.Likewise, hit with an injury setback earlier in the month, former Anderlecht defender Elias Cobbaut remains a major doubt.
Finding the net against Universitatea Craiova last time out and getting on the scoresheet in three of his previous four appearances, Kosovo international Albion Rahmani should keep his spot leading the line. Completing a season-long loan switch from Ajax, Sivert Mannsverk will start in the middle of the park.
Aberdeen
As for the visitors, getting their Europa Conference League adventure underway back in August always knowing that they had a real battle on their hands in the race to book a famous knockout stage ticket, Aberdeen have largely struggled on the continent. Last seen in group stage action falling to a 1-0 loss at home against French outfit Strasbourg, Jimmy Thelin’s men have put just two points on the board from any of their five appearances this year. Falling to a 6-0 drumming against AEK Athens on October 23rd, Aberdeen have also shown some issues in the final third. Despite snatching a 0-0 stalemate away at AEK Larnaca last month, Thelin’s side have notched just a single strike in any of their last four Europa Conference League outings.
Aberdeen Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Aberdeen will once again be without the duo of Gavin Molloy and Latvian international Kristers Tobers on Thursday night. Completing a permanent switch over the summer, former Southampton star Stuart Armstrong will start in the middle of the park.
While ex-AC Milan starlet Marko Lazetic might have recorded just a pair of strikes since the end of October, the 21-year-old should keep his spot leading the line. Inching closer to a first senior Scotland cap, Jack Milne will start at the heart of Thelin’s defence.
Sparta Prague vs Aberdeen Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in the Czech Republic will be the first competitive meeting between Sparta Prague and Aberdeen.
- Sparta Prague have registered 10 points from their five Europa Conference League appearances this season.
- Shipping just a trio of European goals this year, only three clubs have conceded fewer strikes than Thursday’s hosts.
- Aberdeen have failed to win any of their five Europa Conference League appearances this year (three defeats, two draws).
- The Dons have registered just a single strike in any of their previous four European outings.
Conclusion
While Aberdeen might be desperate to sign off their group stage adventure with a famous victory on foreign soil, Thursday’s guests look set for what will be another stern examination here. Watching Sparta Prague already breeze their way to a knockout stage ticket, the Czech heavyweights will be looking to make a European statement. Shipping just a trio of Conference League goals during this season’s adventure, we are backing what could be a low-scoring home victory on Thursday night.
Verdict: Sparta Prague win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
