Read our prediction for Lille vs Sparta Prague below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions. Use our betting tips for the match between Lille vs Sparta Prague and you can increase your winnings!
Lille vs Sparta Prague Prediction & Betting tips
Which league is the stronger? A cross comparison between the top French and Czech leagues can be made very well in the duel on Thursday evening in the Europa League between Lille and Sparta Prague. Both teams are currently in second place in the national leagues and thus reflect the top level of their respective country very well. There is no question that French football is significantly more developed overall than in the Czech Republic.
It is no coincidence that Lille is number 1 in the group H table of the Europa League and can make the early entry into the knockout phase perfect with a home win. The underdog is a little underestimated and the value can be found on the part of the guests. Handicap betting could be the right choice on this encounter, which takes place at 17:55 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Lille:
Lille OSC has established itself as a real top team in French football in recent years. The Great Danes are causing a sensation not only nationally but also internationally and can be more than satisfied with the way this season has gone so far. In the league, the team of coach Galtier ranks in a good second place and is only just behind serial champions PSG.
At the weekend, Lille had to let go a little with a 1-1 draw against St. Etienne. After the many English weeks, the strength of the team is a little too low and the mammoth program of the Great Danes is noticeable. After all, the fight in the home game against AC Milan a week ago was worth it and despite being behind, the French fought an important draw.
As a result, the top position in Group H could be defended and Galtier’s protégés can make it clear that they will advance to the intermediate round this Thursday. Even in the event of a failure, it still looks good, as the Scots from Celtic Glasgow, who are practically eliminated, are the opponents on the last day of the game.
That is why a draw may be enough for the hosts and between Lille and Sparta Prague, the very low odds for a tip on home success must be questioned. Some star players could be rotated from the starting line-up on Thursday.
Sparta Prague:
After two matchdays in the Euro League, Sparta Prague had their backs to the wall and progress was a long way off after the bankruptcies against AC Milan and in the first leg against Lille. The goal difference (1: 7) suggested that the Czechs are not internationally competitive. But just as much as the first two defeats were, so clearly won the team of coach Vaclav Kotal in the next two duels against Celtic Glasgow.
In both the first and second leg, the capital city club won 4: 1 and can thus once again raise legitimate hopes for a ticket for the second round. The great hope is attacker Lukas Julis, who scored five of the eight goals against the Scots himself. The 25-year-old attacker is in great shape and was the match winner in the league against FK Teplice at the weekend.
Prague won 1-0 abroad and was able to defend 2nd place in the table of the 1st division through the work victory. If something countable is to be taken from the Great Danes on Thursday, the underdog urgently needs to increase defensive stability. 13 goals conceded in the national league (nine games) and nine goals conceded in the previous four Euro League games are simply too many to compensate for this with the sweeping offensive.
Coach Vaclav Kotal could therefore rely on a more defensive approach on Thursday and tactically switch from a back three to a back four. Midfielder Srdjan Plavsic, who was spared at the weekend, would be a man to play from the start. In attack, top striker Julis could be supported either by Swede David Karlsson or Ladislav Krejci.
In terms of quality, the guests are inferior to the French opponents in almost all positions and the clear first leg defeat was no coincidence. Coach Vaclav’s squad must have a creamy day on Thursday if the chances of advancing are to remain.
With a combative performance and the necessary bit of luck, a tip on the odds of the outsider can work between Lille and Sparta Prague. At least the handicap can be cracked from the perspective of the away team.
Lille vs Sparta Prague head to head matches
22.10.20 EL Sparta Prague Lille 1 : 4