Lazio vs Sparta Prague Betting Tips and Predictions

Lazio are the stronger of the two sides on paper and the Italian side should come out on top. Their away goal – Marco Parolo’s equaliser – could prove to be key and gives them a slight advantage going into the second leg. Lazio’s priority this season is now the Europa League as they are so far off the pace in Serie A – they are in eighth place – with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Atalanta providing ideal preparation for this match. Parolo is a key man for Stefano Pioli’s side as he has scored three goals from midfield in the Europa League this season.

Sparta Prague have won six league games in a row to keep up their Czech title challenge, but their cup form is hazier having exited their main domestic cup to Slovan Liberec last month. Sparta’s star striker David Lafata has hit five goals in the Europa League this season and he is the dangerman Lazio need to watch as he is also the top scorer in the history of the Czech First League. Sparta have played 11 games in Italy and never won, so it is hard to side with them for this clash.

The bookmakers have Lazio as narrow favourites for this tie and Pioli’s men should certainly have enough to go through, although Sparta Prague are capable of pushing them all the way. Extra time and penalties are a serious possibility for this match, but we are backing Lazio to win at 6/4 with bet365, while siding with the Italian club to win 2-1 at 15/2 with bet365 is also appealing.