Europe -> Europa League

As usual after two days of Champions League we can now look forward to its little sibling the Europa League. Many matches with surprising results, that is EL. We will take a look at AC Sparta Praha vs. Hapoel Be’er Sheva FC. For czech fans this surely is an attractive fixture, because it is a match involving one of three Czech Europa League participants. It was a great success for today’s opponents just to make it to the group Stage of Europa League. Any further advancement in the competition would be a pleasant bonus for their fans, as well as the clubs‘ treasurers.

AC Sparta Praha

Runner up of last season’s Czech top league is faring well in the Europa League so far. After three rounds of play Sparta Praha has 6 points and leads the group by 2 points. Despite having an even score 4:4, Sparta Praha is still the best scoring team in Group K. Home team lead by interim coach David Holoubek is working very well. Under his leadership Sparta was able to be even Inter Milan at Letná and the last round in Izrael they won 1:0 in a match in which they were outclassed for most of the 90 minutes of play. Absence for Sparta Praha today:

midfielder Vacha (9 zápasů 0 gólů)

midfielder Frýdek (7 zápasů 2 góly)

midfielder Rosický (1 zápas 0 gólů)

goaltender Bičík (1 zápas 0 gólů)

midfielder Čermák (7 zápasů 0 gólů)

midfielder Sáček (1 zápas 0 gólů)

questionable are:

Šural, Zahustel, V. Kadlec

Hapoel Be’er Sheva F.C

The visitors are in 3rd place with 4 points behind Southampton by just their score. The Izraeli team this still has a realistic chance to advance. They are in this positions because they were able to beat Inter in Italy, whereby they contributed to the coaching change there that took place since. At home they are sitting at the top of the league and are surely looking to bring this form to their Europa League contests.

There is no absences information available at this time.

All in all the home team is favored by bookmakers just a little. To us Sparta is a clear favorit, because the team was able to win an away fixture under their new coach and the positive result are coming from all angles. If we look at absences, then the totals do not look good for Sparta, but players like Šural or V. Kadlec  should be ready for tonight and Zahustel should be ready on the bench. Thus the rumors that Sparta does not have enough players to put a team together are rather strategic declarations then facts. It will make sense to avoid betting on goals, since this Europa League fixture is not very transparent. We are expecting a home win along the lines of 1:0, but it does not make sense to take such a big risk. A home win is a bit more risky, but we are willing to take on this risk today. For the less hazardous there is always the double chance.

Jan E – verified

Tip: 1

Odds: 2.30