Europa League preview and odds: Sparta Praha vs Villarreal

Published on: 12/04/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Sparta Praha vs Villarreal

April 14, 2016 21:05pm - Generali Arena

Europa League

Villarreal will take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg of this Europa League quarter-final after ending Sparta Prahas unbeaten record in this years competition with a win in Spain.

Sparta strong at home

Sparta Praha will have to come from a goal behind if they are to feature in the semi-finals of this event for the very first time. The good news is that the Czech side are unbeaten in their last 19 competitive home matches, having won 17 and drawn the other two.

In this competition, they have lost just two of their last 29 home matches and are unbeaten in their last 11. The last time they faced Spanish opposition at home in this event, they ran out 3-1 winners against Athletic Club.

Villarreal lead in finely-poised match

Villarreal may have a 2-1 lead in this match, but their opponents have home advantage and an away goal in the bag. As a result, tactical planning could play a huge part in the outcome of this game.

The Spaniards dominated the first leg and would have been disappointed not have won by a greater margin at El Madrigal. In addition, they concede their first goal at home in this term`s competition.

The Yellow Submarine have lost just two of their last 12 away games in all competitions and would progress if they can avoid defeat on Thursday. However, a 1-0 defeat would see them exit on the away goals rule.

Team news

The visitors have injury concerns with Daniele Bonera, Mateo Musacchio and Jonathan dos Santos all under treatment.

Recent form (All competitions)

Sparta Praha: LLWWW

Villarreal: WWDDL

Betting odds and tips

Sparta have a strong record at home but their opponents just need a draw to progress.

The Sparta Praha/Draw Double Chance can be backed at 19/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 12/04/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/04/2016 15:09:46) but are subject to change.