The spotlight is on Rangers and Sparta Prague when they go toe-to-toe at Ibrox Stadium, for an exciting match on Thursday. It is one of 16 matches in round 5 of the Europa League group stages, with teams fighting to secure qualification.
Rangers scored a highly acceptable 2.1 times per game in most Europa League matches. They have been prolific in defence, though, with only 1.3 goals conceded. This defensive strength could swing the result in their favour, when squaring up to Sparta Prague this coming Thursday.
Sparta Prague scored and conceded nearly a similar amount of goals pr. match in previous Europa League outings. They were on target 1.8 times while allowing an average of 1.7 goals against. The latter could eventually prove costly against Rangers on Thursday.
Rangers still have a decent chance of getting through to the knock-out stages, whereas winning the title might be stretching it too far.
Rangers vs Sparta Prague stats and analysis
Rangers are considered favourites to win by most observers of the game. The best price you will find on a home win is 1.85, as bookies predict Rangers to have a 54% chance of beating Sparta Prague. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 3.60 on offer, while an away win for Sparta Prague pays out at 4.20.
Rangers go into their fifth Europa League group match on 4 points. To see the next round, they need a good result on Thursday. A draw is enough to stay in the race for advancement, though. A third-place finish is also still a possibility, but the hosts want to stay in this tournament.
Sparta Prague arrives at their fifth Europa League match with 4 points to show for their efforts. It means they require a point here to maintain the chance of seeing the next stage, while a draw.
According to the bookmakers, Rangers are favourites to win. If one is in favour of the away win, the odds are currently at 4.20 on the visitors. This means, the bookies predict, they are in with a 24% chance of beating Sparta Prague. Placing your bet on Sparta Pragueg, the best price at the time of writing lies at 1.85.
Stats and facts for Rangers and Sparta Prag.
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Rangers's last 9 of 11 matches;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Rangers's last 8 matches in the row;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Rangers's last 4 at home matches in the row.
- Sparta Prag did not win the last 3 matches in a row when playing away;
- Sparta Prag conceded in the last 17 of 19 matches;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Sparta Prag's last 3 of 5 matches.
Lineup Rangers vs Sparta Prag
Current form — Rangers v. Sparta Prague
Rangers look in good shape before their upcoming match, as they seek to remain unbeaten. In their last 3 matches, they first beat Motherwell by 6-1, before drawing 1-1 with Brondby IF. They were back as winners last time out, when they took out Ross County 4-2.
Sparta Prag are a bit back and forth currently, and sadly they are more back than forth. Against Lyon, they got beaten by a 3-0 score, before winning 4-2 against Teplice. They were back on loser street last time out, in a 4-0 defeat against Slovacko.
Rangers v. Sparta Prag — fixture history
The latest match between Sparta Prag and Rangers was a tight encounter which saw Sparta Prag running away with small 1-0 victory. Rangers have been able to win 0% of their last 1 encounter against upcoming Sparta Prag in the Europa League. In other words, they have a 0-0-1 recent record, with the latter winning 100% of the matches.
Full Time betting
Rangers are considered favourites to win by most observers of the game. The best price you will find on a home win is 1.85, as bookies predict Rangers to have a 54% chance of beating Sparta Prag. If you wish to bet the draw, there are odds at 3.60 on offer, while an away win for Sparta Prag pays out at 4.20.
Top goalscorer
Rangers will be hoping Fashion Sakala can find the back of the net once again. He is on 3 goals in their last 6 games and Rangers need him to shine. Sparta Prag will hoping Matej Pulkrab can find the back of the net once again. He is on 2 goals in their last 6 matches.
