2023-24 UEFA Europa League: Group Stage – Sparta Prague vs Rangers

Sparta Prague host Rangers at Stadion Letna in Group C of 2023-24 UEFA Europa League. 

With all four teams locked on three points apiece after their opening two group matches, victory could send either team top depending upon results elsewhere.

 

Team News

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Lukas Haraslin is a doubt for Sparta Prague after he missed their 4-0 First League win over SK Dynamo with a calf injury.

Ladislav Krejci (knock) is also considered a doubt for this game and faces a late fitness test.

Rangers could be without defender, Borna Barisic after he suffered a thigh injury during their Scottish Premirship win over Hibernian.

Tom Lawrence (calf), Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell and Rabbi Matondo (all knee) remain ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Sparta Prague host Rangers at Stadion Letna on Thursday 26 October at 6:45pm CEST (5:45pm UK Time), live on TNT Sport 3 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Sparta Prague have won two of four previous meetings against Rangers across all UEFA competitions (W2, L2).
• Rangers have lost each of their last two visits to Sparta Prague by 1-0 results in September 1991 and 2021 respectively (L2).
• Sparta Prague are yet to concede at home to Rangers in all UEFA competitions.
• Sparta have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches in all UEFA competitions (W2, D1, L2).
• Abdallah has scored each of Rangers’ two goals in this group this season.

 

Prediction

With just one blank drawn all season in all competitions and unbeaten at home, Sparta Prague certainly can’t be underestimated because they are difficult team to play against such is their attacking nature and high-scoring play.

As for Rangers, this is their first proper test under new manager – Philippe Clement after comfortably dispatching Hibernian 4-0 last weekend, yet their defence does still look fragile at times under pressure which is a huge concern coming into a game like this.

Throw in the fact that they have lost both previous visits and it is hard to see Rangers winning here but a draw might just be possible, especially if they can show more strength at the back.

Prediction: Sparta Prague 1-1 Rangers

Result: Sparta Prague 0-0 Rangers