Sparta Prague vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Sparta Prague managed to break out of their run of two defeats on Saturday with a 4-0 hammering of Pribram at home. This came at just the right time, as they’re at a crunch stage of their Europa League campaign at the moment. With them leading the group on six points they know that a win here would see them all but secure qualification for the knockout stages, as long as they didn’t lose both of their remaining two games.

They have performed fairly well in the competition up to now. They struggled a bit in the playoffs against SonderjskE and then lost 3-0 at Southampton in their opening group match, but since then they have beaten Inter Milan at home and Hapoel Be’er Sheva on the road to take themselves to the top of the group.

Sparta Prague’s inconsistent league form does leave them in a disappointing 5th position after 12 games played, but their defence is largely to blame for that. Going forward they have been excellent, and none more so than David Lafata. The veteran Czech striker has netted eight league goals in nine starts and added one more in the Europa League. Their next highest scorer in Borek Dockal with four goals, so backing Lafata to score anytime at 6/4 looks a good option.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva may sit outside the qualification places in their Europa League group at the moment, but the underdogs aren’t out of the running yet. This is by far their best ever European campaign, although to be fair there’s not much competition. This is just the 3rd season they have taken part in the competition.

They have already managed to earn a point at home to Southampton and beat Inter Milan at the San Siro, so whatever happens from here I think this can be classed as a massive step in the right direction for them.

Overall the Israeli side are in decent form with four wins, three draws, and two defeats in their last nine outings. One of these losses came against Sparta Prague at home though, and away from home they have won three, drawn three, and lost two of their last eight games.

Sparta Prague, on the other hand, have won six of their last eight at home and scored at least three goals in each of these victories. All but one of these eight matches has seen Over 2.5 goals, whilst Hapoel Be’er Sheva have participated in high scoring games in seven of their last ten on the road, including a 5-2 defeat at Celtic Park.

I do think Sparta Prague can get the win here. They just have a greater quality about them and are already confident after their away victory. Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s normally solid defence crumbles away from home as well, so we could be in for some goals. I’m backing a Sparta Prague Win and Over 2.5 Goals at excellent odds of 11/4, and I’m going for a 3-1 correct score prediction at 18/1.