UEFA Europa League
On Thursday night, Liverpool and Sparta Prague clash at Anfield in the Europa League last-16 second leg.
This second leg is almost a dead rubber as Liverpool won the first leg 5-1 in the Czech capital.
Liverpool held off the English champions despite injuriesThe Reds held reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last time out, despite Jurgen Klopp’s team having a long list of absentees.
The draw means that the men from Merseyside are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions, having recorded six wins and two draws over 90 minutes.
Liverpool’s recent record in the Europa League has been slightly inconsistent. However, the home team has recorded five wins in their last seven matches.
The Reds have a strong recent home record in the Europa League, having won eight of their last nine matches at Anfield and scoring at least two goals in six of their last seven home outings.
Sparta are on a poor runThe visitors head to Merseyside after a poor recent run of form. They have failed to win in three games and have also suffered back-to-back defeats.
Last time out, Sparta suffered a 4-0 defeat at Viktoria Plzen, which means they have conceded nine goals in their previous two outings.
The poor recent defensive run has contributed to 12 of their last 13 competitive games producing over 2.5 goals.
Brian Priske’s team has lost two of their last three Europa League games. However, Sparta’s recent games have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their previous six games, including in the last four outings.
Sparta Prague has a poor recent away record in the Europa League, losing seven of their last nine away games.
What am I backing?Liverpool have been strong of late and are superior to Sparta in quality. I can see the home team recording a comfortable. However, the bet I am backing is over 2.5 goals, as it offers slightly more value than the home win.
