In the second leg of the Champions League's second qualifying round, Czech champions Sparta Prague will host Shamrock Rov.rs at the epet ARENA on Tuesday.
Sparta Prague comes into this match with a significant advantage after securing a 2-0 victory in the first leg held at the Tallaght Stadium in Ireland.
Team to Win
Sparta Prague
Sparta Prague enters the second leg with a solid 2-0 lead from the first leg. The goals were scored by Veljko Birmancevic and Tomas Wiesner, demonstrating their offensive strength.
The team controlled the game with 69% possession and 11 shots, eight of which were on target.
Sparta Prague’s recent form in all competitions is impressive, with three consecutive wins, including a 4-1 triumph over Teplice in their domestic league.
Manager Lars Friis will be confident of advancing to the next round, especially given their strong home advantage and solid start to the season.
Shamrock Rov.rs
Shamrock Rov.rs face an uphill battle to overturn the 2-0 deficit. Their form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last six matches.
The Irish side struggled in the first leg, managing only two shots on target and 31% possession.
Manager Stephen Bradley remains optimistic but acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead.
For Rovers to progress, they must achieve something they’ve never done before – win an away game in the Champions League by at least two goals.
Form
Sparta Prague
Champions League Form: W
All Competitions Form: W W W
Sparta Prague has started the season strongly, winning all their competitive fixtures so far.
Their victory over Shamrock Rov.rs was only their second win in their last 12 Champions League matches.
Shamrock Rov.rs
Champions League Form: D W L
All Competitions Form: L W D W L L
Shamrock Rov.rs have had a mixed start to their season. Their last league match was a defeat, and they have struggled to find consistent form in both domestic and European competitions.
Team News
Sparta Prague
Lars Friis is unlikely to make many changes from the first leg. Striker Victor Olatunji and winger Ermal Krasniqi, who impressed in their recent league win, could come off the bench if needed.
The expected starting lineup includes Jensen; Vitik, Ross, Zeleny; Wiesner, Laci, Solbakken, Albeniz; Tuci, Kuchta, Birmancevic.
Shamrock Rov.rs
Shamrock Rov.rs might recall Jack Byrne after suspension, and Lee Grace could return to the squad.
Markus Poom, who was an unused substitute in the first leg, might feature. The likely lineup is Pohls; Honohan, Lopes, Cleary; Farrugia, Nugent, Clarke, O'Neill, Byrne; Watts, Kenny.
Prediction
Given their current form and the advantage from the first leg, Sparta Prague is favoured to win this match.
Despite Shamrock Rov.rs’ efforts, it’s hard to see them overturning the deficit without more possession and creating better chances.
Our prediction is Sparta Prague 2-1 Shamrock Rov.rs, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate victory for Sparta Prague.
Shamrock Rov. 
Sparta 
