Shamrock Rovers know they must make home advantage count against Sparta Prague because it'll be a huge task in the second leg if they only manage to avoid defeat in the first leg. The odds are stacked against the Republic of Ireland side but will back themselves to come out on top.
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Shamrock Rovers vs Sparta Prague prediction: Hard to see past an away victory
Key stats
- Shamrock Rovers have won one of their last four league games
- The Hoops won the home leg of their previous qualifying round match
- Sparta Prague have not reached the Champions League group stages since 2005
Correct score prediction: Shamrock Rovers 1-3 Sparta Prague
While Shamrock Rovers will back themselves to make life difficult for Sparta Prague, the difference in class will surely prevail. According to UEFA's coefficient rankings, there are 77 places between these two teams, so it should be a rather one-sided affair.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sparta Prague tipped to take control of the tie
- Home: 7/1 (8.0) – 12.5%
- Draw: 15/4 (4.75) – 21.1%
- Away: 4/11 (1.36) – 73.3%
While Sparta Prague are the clear favourites to win this first-leg match, Shamrock Rovers' fans will be ensuring they do their bit to roar the Hoops on and make home advantage count. They did score twice last time out at home in Europe, so confidence will be high.
If Shamrock Rovers want to get past the Czechia giants they must score early, but this may not even be enough, so we'd back BTTS and Sparta Prague to win. If this doesn't appeal to you then remember to check out our free betting tips page for further inspiration.
Most recent H2Hs: Two unfamiliar sides
It's no surprise that these two teams have never met before given neither regularly qualify for the Champions League. So, the fact they're both pitted against each other should result in an exciting affair.
Shamrock Rovers preview: Got to make home advantage count
It's been an indifferent season thus far for Shamrock Rovers who sit fourth in the League of Ireland table. The Hoops have only won three of their previous five home league games, so Tallaght Stadium is far from a fortress.
Predicted lineup: Pohls (GK), Lopes, Hoare, Cleary, Farrugia, Watts, O'Neill, Clarke, Honohan, Kenny, Greene
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/09/24
L
Bohemians Dublin
2
Shamrock Rovers
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
L
PAOK Salonika
2
Shamrock Rovers
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/08/24
D
Galway United
1
Shamrock Rovers
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
PAOK Salonika
4
Shamrock Rovers
0
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 15/08/24
W
NK Celje
1
Shamrock Rovers
3
Sparta Prague preview: Must avoid a shock defeat
Sparta Prague are the heavy favourites for this clash, but the atmosphere and intensity from Shamrock Rovers shouldn't be underestimated. The Czechia club will be looking to ensure they avoid a potential slip-up and go back home with a big advantage.
Predicted lineup: Vindahl (GK), Vitik, Panak, Zeleny, Rynes, Sadilek, Pavelka, Wiesner, Birmancevic, Olatunji, Danek
Czech Republic First League 31/08/24
W
Hradec Kralove
0
Sparta Prague
2
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 27/08/24
W
Malmo FF
0
Sparta Prague
2
Czech Republic First League 24/08/24
D
Slovacko
2
Sparta Prague
2
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 21/08/24
W
Malmo FF
0
Sparta Prague
2
Czech Republic First League 17/08/24
W
FK Jablonec
1
Sparta Prague
2
Player to watch: Victor Olatunji
Sparta Prague's season got underway earlier this month and they picked up a crucial 2-1 victory. A lot of their thanks must fall at the feet of Victor Olatunki who scored the winning goal just before the hour mark so he's in fine form.
Olatunji has previous experience in the Champions League qualifying rounds having scored on his sole appearance last term. his extra-time goal against FC Copenhagen was very close to sending Sparta Prague through to the next round before crashing out on penalties.
