Sparta Prague vs Galatasaray Prediction & Betting Tips (22 February)

Sparta Prague is having a very good season. Rather prominent on the European scene, this team was off to a good start in its quest to qualify for the 1/8 finals by holding Galatasaray in check on its home field before giving in at the very end of the match. That said, everything remains possible for the Czechs who were able to finish in 2nd position in their C3 group behind Rangers but ahead of Bétis and Aris Limassol. In the championship, the capital's players are still at the top of the standings ahead of their rival Slavia Prague, over whom they are 4 steps ahead. This weekend, they signed an 8th victory in a row on the national scene against Slovan Liberec 2-1 at home, a week after having largely dominated Karvina 0-3.

Opposite, Galatasaray therefore managed to offer themselves the 1st round of its play-offs by snatching victory in added time last Thursday 3-2 which therefore allows it to approach this return match with a small lead. Earlier in the season, the Turks had to be satisfied with 3rd place in their Champions League group behind Bayern and Copenhagen but well ahead of Manchester United after losing 3 times in the last 4 days. Just like their opponent of the day, the Istanbulites are also in the lead in their own championship by 2 points ahead of their neighbor and rival Fenerbahce. Solid, Mauro Icardi's partners easily dominated Ankaragücü on Sunday away 0-3 to validate a 7th success in a row in the Süper Lig.

Forfeited last week, midfielder Pavelka is expected for this match. Forced to start on the bench, the major offensive asset of this Sparta team, Haraslin (11 goals in all competitions) should be able to start. On the other hand, long-time absent defender Vindheim is still stuck in the infirmary and left back Rynes will be suspended after being sent off. The excellent Serbian Birmancevic (6 goals and 7 assists in the league) and the rather prolific striker Kuchta (7 goals and 5 assists in the league) who found the fault in the first leg could appear in the 11th. Also note the presence of former Ajaccian Laci who should start in the heart of the game. Galatasaray will still be deprived of the absent Sergio Oliviera and Bardakci, both long-term injured.

This could also be the case for the Moroccan Ziyech. Left injured during the first leg, right-back Ayhan is also not guaranteed to be restored this week while central defender Nelsson is suspended after being sent off during the first leg. On the other hand, Aurier arrived from Nottingham Forest this winter and he could be fit after being rested in the first leg following their AFCON victory with Ivory Coast. Last Thursday, the inevitable Icardi (13 goals, 6 assists in the league) scored the winning goal after added time. The Ivorian Zaha (9 pawns, 3 assists) or the Turkish international Kerem Akturkoglu (9 goals, 5 cakes) are available, as is the Belgian Mertens, also a scorer in the first round.