Krasnodar vs Sparta Prague Betting Tips & Predictions

Sparta Prague managed to secure a crucial 1-0 win in the Czech Republic last week to take a slender lead into the second leg in Russia. It was a match devoid of much excitement, and you could tell that neither team was fully match fit. Sparta Prague, by virtue of being the home side, managed to have the majority of the very limited amount of attacking play, and that eventually paid off as main striker Luka Julic netted 25 minutes from time.

This was Krasnodar’s first foray into competitive football since the end of the Europa League group stages, with the Russian Premier League still in the midst of it’s winter break. Sparta Prague had ended their winter break the weekend before, winning against Zlin and then again last weekend to keep pace with Czech Liga leaders Viktoria Plzen.

Reasons for Betting Tips

With the visitors holding a very slender lead coming into this match I think they’ll simply set up to keep a clean sheet rather than extend their lead. Their defence had no issues dealing with a Krasnodar side lacking in competitive fitness last weekend, and Sparta Prague have had another match to increase their own match fitness since Thursday.

I expect the Czech’s to be very hard to break down, and they have managed to keep a clean sheet in three of their last five competitive matches. This will make Krasnodar’s life difficult, and I’m expecting their Europa League campaign to end on Thursday.

Recent Form

All competitions; most recent first.

Krasnodar: LWWDWWW

Sparta Prague: WWWWDLD

Head to Head

Prior to Sparta Prague’s Europa League win last week these two had met in a couple of friendlies a few years ago, with Krasnodar drawing at home and winning in Prague.

Statistics

Sparta Prague have lost just 17% of their matches so far this season, while Krasnodar have only managed to win 50% of their home matches in the league.

Team News

Neither team have reported any injury problems ahead of their clash on Thursday.

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