Prediction: Sparta Prague vs Shamrock Rovers

Verdict: Sparta Prague win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster

Sat firmly in the driving seat to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure, Sparta Prague will welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Czech Republic on Tuesday evening.

Sparta Prague

Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a routine performance away on foreign soil last week as they secured a 2-0 victory in Dublin, Sparta Prague will be seeking a repeat performance here. Hardly having to get out of third gear and now sat firmly in the driving seat, the Czech heavyweights appear to be firing on all cylinders. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they stormed their way to a stellar 4-1 romp away at Teplice while on domestic duties, Lars Friis’ camp have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2024/25 campaign. Getting proceedings underway on July 19th with a 2-1 win at home against Pardubice, the Maroons have won each of their first three competitive appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-2.

Team News

Already confirming that Finland international Kaan Kairinen is not expected to return until October after suffering a broken leg, the 25-year-old will not play any part on Tuesday evening. However, returning from a recent knock and featuring against Teplice, Angelo Preciado could make a first start of the season.

Finding the net in Dublin last week, former Malmo striker Veljko Birmancevic will spearhead Sparta’s charge here. Handed a full rest over the weekend, Norway international Markus Solbakken could be handed a full recall.

Shamrock Rovers

As for the visitors, while Shamrock might have made real history last season as they got their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier Division crown, the Rovers have drastically flattered to deceive this time around. Hit with that 2-0 loss when they welcomed Sparta to Dublin last week, the Irish champions have come under plenty of scrutiny. Crashing out of the FAI Cup on July 19th following a 1-0 loss at the hands of Bohemians, Stephen Bradley’s men have recorded just two wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Facing what appears to be a monumental challenge on Tuesday evening, Shamrock have also shown a string of issues on the road. In fact, along with registering just a single away victory since the middle of April, they have also failed to notch a sole away strike in over 300 minutes of action.

Team News

Forced to serve a one-match suspension in Dublin last week, Jack Byrne will make a full return on Tuesday evening. However, still dealing with a recent knock and not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of April, former Salford midfielder Rory Gaffney remains on the sidelines and will not feature.

Enjoying what has been an impressive flurry since arriving from Scottish giants Celtic on a season-long loan deal, 21-year-old Johnny Kenny will play a leading role in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sparta Prague and Shamrock Rovers met for their first-leg showdown last week, Tuesday’s hosts collected a 2-0 victory in Ireland.
• Sparta have won all of their first three competitive appearances since opening the 2024/25 campaign by an aggregate score of 8-2.
• Shamrock Rovers have collected just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
• The reigning Irish champions have also collected just a sole victory from any of their previous eight matchups outside of Dublin.
• Shamrock have failed to record a single away goal in over 300 minutes of action.

Conclusion

Securing what was a routine 2-0 victory when they travelled to Dublin last week as they secured a healthy first-leg advantage, Sparta Prague are firmly sat in the driving seat here. Opening the 2024/25 campaign with a real flurry, Tuesday’s hosts will be looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure with a statement of intent. With Shamrock continuing to show a string of issues outside of Dublin and not recording a single goal on their travels in over 300 minutes of action, we are expecting a home victory in midweek.

Verdict: Sparta Prague win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Luckster