Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction: Sparta Prague is likely to secure a 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score in their Champions League qualifier.
The UEFA Champions League second qualifying round reaches its conclusion as Czech champions Sparta Prague host Irish title-holders Shamrock Rovers at the epet ARENA on Tuesday evening. With a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Sparta look to finish the job on home soil and advance to the next stage of qualification.
Match Preview
Sparta Prague enter the second leg in a commanding position after an impressive away performance in Dublin last week. Goals from Veljko Birmancevic and Tomas Wiesner gave the Czech side a crucial 2-0 victory at Tallaght Stadium.
Manager Lars Friis will be pleased with how his team controlled proceedings, enjoying 69% possession and registering 11 shots on target. The clean sheet was also a welcome bonus for Sparta, who had conceded in their previous four matches across all competitions.
For Shamrock Rovers, the task ahead is monumental. Stephen Bradley’s men must overturn a two-goal deficit away from home against the Czech champions. The Hoops struggled to impose themselves in the first leg, managing just two shots on target and 31% possession.
Projected Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction: Lineups and Team News
Sparta Prague:
Sparta have no fresh injury concerns heading into the second leg. Given the strong first leg performance, manager Friis is likely to name an unchanged starting XI.
Projected Sparta Prague Lineup (4-3-3): Vitik, Laci, Albeniz, Solbakken, Kuchta, Jensen, Tuci, Birmancevic, Ross, Wiesner, Zeleny.
Shamrock Rovers:
The visitors receive a boost with the return of midfielder Jack Byrne from suspension. Defender Lee Grace is also pushing for a start after being on the bench in the first leg.
Projected Shamrock Rovers Lineup (3-5-2): O’Neill, Watts, Kenny, Nugent, Clarke, Lopes, Farrugia, Honohan, Byrne, Cleary, Pohls.
Key Stats and Form
Sparta Prague:
- Unbeaten in their last 5 matches (W4, D1)
- Kept a clean sheet in 2 of their last 3 games
- Scored 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
Shamrock Rovers:
- Lost 2 of their last 3 matches
- Failed to score in 2 of their last 3 games
- Conceded 2+ goals in 3 of their last 5 away matches in Europe
Head-to-Head
The first leg encounter last week was the first-ever meeting between these two sides in European competition.
Where to Watch
The match will kick off at 17:00 UTC on July 30, 2024, at the epet ARENA in Prague, Czech Republic.
Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers Live Streaming and TV Schedule:
- Czech Republic: Nova Sport 1
- Great Britain: LOITV
- Ireland Republic: LOITV
- Slovakia: Voyo, Nova Sport 1
For viewers in other countries, please check your local listings or official UEFA channels for broadcast information.
Who Will Win?
While Shamrock Rovers will be desperate to mount a comeback, the task appears too great against a strong Sparta Prague side with home advantage. Expect the Czech champions to control possession once again and potentially add to their aggregate lead.
Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction: Sparta Prague 2-1 Shamrock Rovers (4-1 on aggregate)
Sparta’s quality and two-goal cushion should see them comfortably progress to the next round of Champions League qualification. However, Shamrock Rovers may find the net to restore some pride in what has been a challenging tie for the Irish champions.
Also Read:
