Southampton vs Sparta Prague Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Southampton had a torrid summer as they lost the likes of Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama in the transfer market. However, the loss of their key players is nothing new, and the biggest loss will have been Ronald Koeman’s decision to take over at Everton. So far his replacement Claude Puel hasn’t had the best of times.

They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Watford, before losing 2-0 at Manchester United. Another disappointing home draw against Sunderland followed, and Saturday saw Arsenal clinch a last gasp winner at the Emirates to leave Southampton with just two points from their opening four matches.

This certainly isn’t the best of form to be coming into one of their most important Europa League group games. Sparta Prague are likely to be their main challengers for the runners up spot in this group, with Inter Milan hot favourites for the top spot and Hapoel Be’er Sheva likely to come in bottom of the group.

Sparta Prague are in decent shape coming into this game as well. They are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions, with their last defeat coming away to Steaua Bucharest as they were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers.

Since that away defeat they have won four and drawn three of their games, knocking out SonderjsykE in the Europa League playoffs and winning five of their six Czech Liga matches. Veteran striker David Lafata has been in fine form this season as well, netting four goals in his last six games.

Sparta Prague have a decent record on the road in the Europa League as well. They have only lost one of their last eight away days in the competition, including a win against Lazio and a draw against Schalke. Southampton, on the other hand, have only won one of their three home matches in the Europa League.

Despite their poor form, Southampton are hot favourites to win this one in the bookies eyes, but I disagree with that. They have failed to beat both Watford and Sunderland at home this season and just don’t look in good shape after the loss of Mane, Wanyama, and Graziano Pelle. Considering four of Sparta Prague’s last eight away days in the Europa League have ended all square, I think odds of 14/5 for a Draw on Thursday are good value for money. I’m going for a 1-1 correct score prediction at 6/1 as well.