Sonderjyske vs Sparta Praha Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Sonderjyske’s 2015/2016 2nd place finish in the Danish Superliga was a surprise for many seeing as they narrowly avoided relegation the season before – a somewhat Leicester City-esque switch around. This was Sonderjyske’s first top two finish since the 2007/2008 season and qualified them for the UEFA Europa League for the first time since they were founded in 2004. The hosts strong end of season form has, however, failed to transfer over into the new season. With the Danish Superliga already well underway, Sonderjyske have taken just two points from their opening five fixtures (D2 L3) and stand only one point above the relegation position.

Sparta Prague are also a few matches into their domestic season, but have a much better and more consistent set of results behind them. Sparta have won two and drawn one of their first three, putting them joint top on points with three other sides. Though Sparta had a tough run in against in-form Romanian side Steaua Bucharest in the UEFA Champions League, where they were knocked out of the third qualifying round losing 3-1 on aggregate, they will certainly aim to replicate the progress in to the latter stages of the Europa League over recent years.

While Sparta Prague are the bookies’ favourite for this tie, the market price seems reasonable in our opinion. We find it hard to see how the hosts stand a chance here. They may be unbeaten in the four matches of their debut Europa League campaign, but Sparta Prague are European competition veterans and the most successful club in the Czech Republic not just historically, but over recent years too. Sparta have scored at least two goals in four of their last five Europa League away matches, and these are fixtures against the likes of Lazio and Schalke 04 in the group stages or further. Sonderjyske had a good run last season to finish second and their return to mediocrity in the Danish Superliga comes as no surprise for many.  In their credit, however, they do manage to pinch a goal now and then, for example, in the 1-1 draw at home to Danish giants FC Copenhagen earlier this month.

Hence, Sparta Prague to win at 1/1 and Sparta Prague to win 3-1 at 16/1 are our choice bets for this Europa League playoff round first leg.