Sparta Prague vs Liverpool – Europa League: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

Liverpool return to Europa League action on Thursday night when they travel to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague in the last 16.

The first leg between the two sides will take place at the epet Arena, with the Reds wanting to take an advantage back to Anfield in a week’s time. However, with injuries still wreaking havoc on Jurgen Klopp’s squad and a crunch clash with title rivals Manchester City this Sunday, Liverpool may not be at full strength for their trip to Prague.

The Reds have won their last six games in all competitions, most recently snatching a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest at the weekend. Darwin Nunez’s 99th-minute winner was absolutely crucial in the battle to be Premier League champions, with Liverpool still on for an admittedly unlikely quadruple this term.

Sparta also find themselves in impressive form heading into their biggest game of their season, having won five of seven games since their return from the winter break. They currently sit four points ahead of local rivals Slavia Prague in the Fortuna Liga table as they look to defend their crown.

Here is 90min’s preview of the game.

Sparta Prague vs Liverpool H2H record

Current form (all competitions)

Brian Priske doesn’t have too many absentees to contend with for Liverpool’s visit, but will be without the midfield duo of Jakub Pesek and David Pavelka. Defender Andreas Vindheim is also out for the rest of the season.

Sparta will welcome back the influential Ladislav Krejci and Veljko Birmancevic from suspension, while centre-back Filip Panak may be available to start despite being doubtful for Thursday’s clash.

Sparta Prague predicted lineup (5-2-3): Jensen; Preciado, Vitik, Panak, Krejci, Rynes; Laci, Kairinen; Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin.

With an almighty clash against Man City to come on Sunday, Klopp may be inclined to rest some of his key players during the match with Sparta. That means those recently returning from injury, such as Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, may sit out.

Mohamed Salah is expected to return to Liverpool training this week ahead of Sunday’s game, but there is little to no chance that he is risked against the Czech champions. Instead, Klopp may opt for a young starting lineup with a sprinkling of experience.

Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones could return before the March international break but won’t be available on Thursday, while Alisson, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Thiago are all still sidelined. Young Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak are also missing.

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Kelleher; Gomez, Konate, Quansah, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, McConnell, Clark; Gordon, Gakpo, Diaz.

The outcome of this European showdown hinges on how strong Klopp’s lineup is at the epet Arena, with Liverpool having already lost away at Union Saint-Gilloise and Toulouse in the Europa League when heavily rotating.

Sparta showed their class against Galatasaray last time out and have scored in every Europa League game this season, with Liverpool needing to keep a close eye on their attacking threats.

However, given the Reds’ current form, it’s hard to bet against them taking a slim advantage back to Anfield at the very least, with their youngsters having proven their worth in recent weeks.

Prediction: Sparta Prague 1-2 Liverpool

READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP