Europa League preview and odds: Villarreal vs Sparta Praha

Published on: 04/04/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Villarreal vs Sparta Praha

April 07, 2016 21:05pm - Camp El Madrigal

Europa League

Villarreal will be hoping to maintain and strong Spanish representation in the semi-finals by overcoming the challenge of tournament outsiders Sparta Prague on Thursday night.

Villarreal

Villarreal are one of three Spanish teams left in Europe`s second-tier competition, and with Athletic Club and Sevilla facing each other in this round, there is sure to be at least one Spanish representative in the semi-finals. The Yellow Submarine will be aiming to make it two with a win over the dark horses of Sparta Prague.

The Spaniards have had a decent season in La Liga and look to be well on course for a top four finish. That of course would book them a place in next season Champions League, and what better way to warm up than by going all the way in UEFA`s secondary competition.

Marcelino`s men have lost just three of their last 25 home games in all competitions, and have won their last five European home games without conceding a goal.

Sparta Prague unbeaten in Europe this term

Sparta Prague may be the 25/1 outsiders in this year`s competition, but they have yet to be beaten in the 12 games that they have played so far (including qualifying).

Away from home, they have won three and drawn three, the most impressive result being a 3-0 victory away to Lazio last time out. They come into this match on the back of a 2-0 defeat away to Slovacko in the Czech Liga - a result that brought an end to a run of seven-straight wins in their domestic competition.

Team news

Villarreal have several players in the treatment room including Alphonse Areola, Mateo Musacchio, Jaume Costa, Jonathan dos Santos and Samu Garcia.

Recent form (All competitions)

Villarreal: WDLLD

Sparta Praha: LWWWW

Betting odds and tips

Villarreal have won every home game in Europe this term without conceding a goal.

You can back the home win to nil at 13/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 04/04/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (04/04/2016 18:15:03) but are subject to change.