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Liverpool v Sparta Prague: Europa League Showdown at Anfield

Prelude to the Second Leg Clash

After the emphatic 1st leg 1-5 victory over Sparta Prague, Liverpool must close out their last 16 encounter with the second leg tie at Anfield. The first game was a tremendous cup tie that all but ended the contest with the huge away win, however, a degree of caution will still have to be undertaken by the reds, to maintain momentum ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup battle. The Reds will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where a compelling encounter against Manchester United awaits. This Thursday’s Europa League knockout tie will indeed act as a preparation for that huge match, with certain players given much-needed minutes to be ready for what is sure to be a tough away game.

Key Player Absences and Expected Line-Ups

Regarding availability, Andreas Vindheim, David Pavelka, Jakub Pesek, and Asger Sörensen are all out for this return leg. Despite the monumental task, Sparta manager Brian Priske will undoubtedly want to field a strong side to make the scoreline more respectable. In the aftermath of that huge loss, the Czech side’s next game saw them lose heavily again.

Regarding that recent form, after the 1-5 mauling last midweek, this past Sunday saw the league leaders head to Viktoria Plzeň, humbled by an unexpected 4-0 scoreline. Before the visit of European giants Liverpool, Sparta met their local rivals, Slavia Prague. The most recent derby was a 0-0 draw at home, as the Czech First League’s top two teams faced off against each other. Four days before that Sunday encounter, Slavia Prague hosted their domestic rivals, as the Czech Cup quarter-final ended in a 2-3 win for the visitors. In the previous round of the 32 (in the Europa League), Prague overcame Galatasaray over two legs, winning by 6-4 on aggregate.

The Czech side currently leads their nation’s top division (despite their recent heavy loss), with 60 points from 24 games played.

A predicted lineup for the visitors is listed below in a 3-4-3 formation.

GK – Peter Vindahl Jensen
RCB – Martin Vitík
CB – Filip Panák
LCB – Ladislav Krejčí
RWB – Ángelo Preciado
CM – Kaan Kairinen
CM – Qazim Laci
LWB – Matěj Ryneš
RW – Veljko Birmančević
CF – Jan Kuchta
LW – Lukáš Haraslín

Liverpool’s Availability Concerns

Regarding injuries, Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić remain unavailable, with the younger Spaniard hopeful of a staggered return in the coming months. Joël Matip has sustained a season-ending ACL injury, which means he has likely played his last game for the Reds. Trent Alexander Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Curtis Jones are out until after the international break, whereas Diogo Jota is sidelined for another few weeks. Ryan Gravenberch is now back in light training; however, he is unlikely to be ready for first-team action until at least the weekend. Ibrahima Konaté appeared to pick up a knock in the 1st leg, which makes participation unlikely, especially after he missed the weekend game against Manchester City.

Regarding recent form, Liverpool was unfortunate not to win their most recent Premier League game, as visiting Manchester City held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Before that (and before the 1st leg against Sparta Prague), Jürgen Klopp’s men scored a dramatic (and controversial) late goal to secure a 0-1 away win against Nottingham Forest after overcoming Southampton by a 3-0 margin in the FA Cup 5th round. The Reds were awarded a bye in the last round of 32 in the Europa League after finishing top of their group stage.

https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1767930137339625899

Below is the team I believe the Reds’ German manager will start with on Thursday (20.00 GMT), with a much-changed line-up in preparation for the visit to Old Trafford. 

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
RB – Conor Bradley
RCB – Joe Gomez (c)
LCB – Jarell Quansah
LB – Kostas Tsimikas
RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai
CDM – James McConnell
LCM – Bobby Clark
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Cody Gakpo
LF – Lewis Koumas

The Match Dynamics: What to Expect

The aggregate 5-1 scoreline has incinerated much of the pressure, which should make for an open and exciting game under the Anfield lights. The ongoing auditions for Liverpool v2.0 allow young assets to show their talent and worth, especially with the raft of injuries that continually engulf the Anfield squad. The home side should extend their lead and produce a comprehensive win that puts them into the hat for the quarter-finals. The brand of football will be fast-paced from the outset, as rhythm will be slight for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai. All supporters should look forward to a second-half introduction if Jayden is cleared from his recent concussion protocol.

Player to watch – Bobby Clark 

Score Prediction;
Liverpool 4 – 2 

Steven Smith

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