A first-leg spot in the Champions League is wide open as Sparta Prague takes on AS Monaco in the third-round qualifying contest. The match schedules for Tuesday at the Generali Stadium with kickoff at 8 pm.
Monaco earned a spot in this competition after a third-place finish in Ligue 1. On the other hand, Sparta Prague ended with a 3-2 aggregate win in the second qualifying round of the season’s campaign.
Sparta finished second behind rivals Sparta Prague in the 2020-2021 Czech First League. It ensured that the side qualified for a second qualifying round of this season’s Champions League.
Furthermore, it was a difficult start in the first leg, especially after falling 2-1 short to Rapid Vienna in the first leg. However, a quick turnaround in the second leg landed a 2-0 victory in their second fixture.
In addition, Pavel Vrba’s side had a strong start in their domestic campaign especially following a 3-2 win over Sigma Olomouc. It followed with a huge 5-0 win over Slovan Liberec last weekend.
Meanwhile, Monaco automatically qualified for a spot in the Champions League via their domestic league. Moreover, the camp is yet to start its domestic season. They prepare for a Ligue 1 opener against Nantes.
However, the side already has their preparations underway with club friendlies against RB Salzburg, Cercle Brugg, Wolfsburg, Royal Antwerp, and Real Sociedad.
Sparta Prague vs. AS Monaco Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other, and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- FC Slovan Liberec 0-5 Sparta Prague
- Sparta Praha 2-0 Rapid Wein
- Sparta Praha 3-2 SK Sigma Selouc
- Rapid Wein 2-1 Sparta Praha
- Sparta Praha 2-2 Dynamo Moscow
Away
- Real Sociedad 2-1 Monaco
- Wolfsburg 1-2 Monaco
- Royal Antwerp 0-0 Monaco
- Monaco 3-1 Cercle Brugge
- Real Bull Salzburg 1-3 Monaco
Sparta Prague Team News
Given their recent exploits in the second leg, we expect a similar starting XI. However, the attack could see the return of Moberg- Karlsson and Adam Hlozek.
AS Monaco Team News
We expect to see a series of new faces in the starting lineup by Nico Kovac. Ben Yedder will lead the attacking line while Kevin Volland and Aleksandr Golovin providing assist on the flanks. Benjamin Lecomte expects to get more minutes after recovering from an ankle injury.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage a cagey affair with Sparta Praha turning the heat after previous victories in the last round.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
