Liverpool vs Sparta Prague: Betting Odds & Prediction

Liverpool look to cement their place in the Europa League quarter-finals as they host Sparta Prague at Anfield on Thursday evening. 

The home side head into the match having secured a 5-1 away victory in Prague last week. Kick-off is set for 8pm local time.

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Liverpool

Liverpool are still battling on all fronts with hopes of adding three more trophies to the Carabao Cup they claimed in February. They no longer sit atop of the Premier League table however after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City paved the way for Arsenal to assume top spot. 

Nevertheless, the Reds' form has been superb since the turn of the year as they look to send soon-to-be-departing manager Jurgen Klopp off with more silverware. 

Liverpool have been relentless in-front of goal in European competition this season, scoring 22 goals in their seven matches so far (an average of 3.15 per match). The hosts have only conceded eight during that time, with an average of 1.15 per match. Liverpool have also kept two clean sheets so far in Europe, both of which have came at Anfield. 

The Merseysiders have also won all three of their home matches in Europe this campaign, scoring eleven and conceding just one during that time. 

Despite their healthy lead from the first leg, more goals can be expected from the home side on Thursday. Liverpool have scored an average of 3.6 goals at Anfield during Europa League action this season. 

Liverpool's dominance at home isn't exclusive to European competition. In the league, the Reds have averaged 2.57 points per match in 14 home games (W11, D3, L0). Liverpool have also scored 38 goals at Anfield in the league, while only conceding 12. 

Klopp may be tempted to make changes given Liverpool's still lengthy injury list, despite the return to fitness of talisman Mohamed Salah and midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. The Reds face bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday and won't want to risk losing more key players in what should be a dead rubber match on Thursday night. 

Sparta Prague

Despite the heavy home defeat in the first leg, Sparta Prague had their fair share of success at the epet ARENA last week. The home side registered eleven shots in the match, seven of which were on target, and were regularly able to penetrate behind the Liverpool full-backs in the first half.

Poor end product cost them dearly and the Reds eventually ran away with the tie, but the Czech outfit will be confident of getting on the scoresheet at Anfield against what will likely be a heavily-rotated Liverpool side. 

'Iron Sparta' have scored and conceded 16 goals in their nine Europa League matches so far this season. Five of those goals were shipped against Liverpool last week. Sparta have also kept two clean sheets in Europe during this campaign. 

Prediction

Anything other than a Liverpool win would be a huge shock, even though Klopp is likely to rotate a number of key players ahead of the weekend. Sparta did create their fair share of chances last week though, and although the home side will be more assertive on home soil, expect the Czech outfit to threaten the Liverpool goal again. 

Liverpool's league matches have also averaged over 11 corners throughout this season, with more set-piece action anticipated on Thursday evening. 

OddsNow's Pick: Liverpool to win with BTTS (6/4 @ Sky Bet); Over 10.5 corners (23/20 @ BoyleSports)