Preview: Sparta Prague vs Inter

Letna Stadium forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ UEFA Champions League clash between Sparta Prague and Inter. Spirits are conflicting in this Wednesday-held European fixture, with the visitors pursuing three points to consolidate their chances in a nail-biting top-eight race.

On the other hand, Sparta’s chances of making it out of the Champions League group/league phase for the first time since the 2003/04 season look bleak. Indeed, Lars Friis’ men sit four points adrift of the playoff line ahead of the kickoff after losing their last four European fixtures on the spin.

A lack of competitive form could further derail Sparta’s prospects. Despite beating Bodo/Glimt and Malmo in winter friendlies, they’ve not played a competitive game since beating domestic rivals Jablonec 2-1 in mid-December. That was a perfect response to a 4-2 mauling at Feyenoord in their last Champions League outing.

Sparta’s dreadful continental form puts Inter in pole position to return home with an all-important three points. Simone Inzaghi’s men took this trip in a buoyant mood after demolishing Empoli 3-1 at Giuseppe Meazza last week to stay within a three-point distance of Serie A pacesetters Napoli.

Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries, and Marcus Thuram scored beyond halftime to help Inter bounce back from a frustrating 2-2 home draw against Bologna. However, their Scudetto defense now hits a pause button as they bid to lock down automatic Round-of-16 qualification at Europe’s top table.

Match Preview

Sparta Prague

Sparta’s unenviable record of four defeats from the opening six rounds (W1, D1) isn’t the only reason their knockout prospects are seemingly dead in the water. Indeed, the reigning Czech First League holders must take points against none other than Inter and Bayer Leverkusen in the final two matchdays.

From Friis’ point of view, that’s far-fetched for multiple reasons. Firstly, his men have suffered no less than 14 defeats from their last 20 outings in the Champions League (W1, D5). Secondly, they conceded an alarming 17 goals across four league-phase losses since a 1-1 draw at Stuttgart in September, contributing to their worst defensive campaign since 2000.

Indeed, they’ve capitulated 18 times in the Champions League this term, with only three sides doing worse than them. Therefore, Sparta fans would be forgiven for fearing the Czech team could lose five consecutive games in Europe’s most prestigious competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Inter

In contrast to Sparta’s dreadful continental journey, it’s been a near-faultless Champions League campaign for Inter. Except for a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen on matchday six, Inzaghi’s charges have gone unbeaten in five remaining league-phase matches without conceding a goal (W4, D1).

As such, they commenced this round in the top eight, establishing complete control of their progression fate. Moreover, Inter have won seven of their nine competitive outings since losing at the BayArena (D1, L1), setting themselves up nicely for this trip. Further confidence comes from Inter’s formidable historic record against Czech opposition.

Indeed, they’ve emerged victorious from their last three encounters against First League clubs via an aggregate score of 9-1. In addition, Inter have won seven of their eight most recent away games on either side of that Leverkusen defeat without conceding a single goal.

Team News

Long-term absentees Imanol Garcia and Angelo Preciado remain unavailable for selection. Lukas Haraslin and Indrit Tuci have recently joined them on the sidelines, leaving Sparta boss Friis with a sizeable selection headache. Despite re-signing Jan Kuchta on loan from Midtjylland, the experienced striker can’t play today.

As for Inter, Yann Bisseck and Hakan Calhanoglu are the most high-profile absentees, alongside Francesco Acerbi, who has been on the treatment table since November. Joaquin Correa is another name on the injury list, but the Nerazzurri didn’t register him for their Champions League squad anyway.

Sparta Prague vs Inter Potential Starting Line-ups

Sparta Prague (3-4-3): Jensen; Vitik, Panak, Zelezny; Wiesner, Laci, Kairinen, Rynes; Birmancevic, Olatunji, Rrahmani.

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram.

Sparta Prague vs Inter Prediction

The gulf in class is too big to be overlooked. Sheer firepower should see Inter gun Sparta down in their backyard and take another massive step toward direct last-16 qualification.

Prediction: Inter to Win