Rangers vs Sparta Prague predictions: Gers should have the edge
- Rangers are unbeaten in their last six matches
- Sparta Prague have lost 11 of their last 13 Europa League away games
- Recommended bet: Rangers to win
Rangers and Sparta Prague battled out a goalless draw in the Czech capital last month, but the Gers will be hopeful of doing better than that at Ibrox after making good progress under new boss Philippe Clement.
They should be boosted by reaching the Scottish League Cup final at the weekend and they beat Sparta Prague 2-0 on their previous Europa League visit to Glasgow two years ago.
The Czech side tend to struggle on their European travels and they face the rejuvenated Gers at a difficult time.
Team news
Rangers manager Clement has no fresh injury concerns and plenty of players made a case for inclusion in Sunday’s 3-1 League Cup semi-final win over Hearts.
Danilo could get the nod to start up front ahead of Cyriel Dessers, while Sparta manager Brian Priske could keep faith with the team who beat Bohemians 2-0 in their Czech League fixture on Saturday.
The stats
Rangers are unbeaten in their last six matches
Three of Rangers last four home games have featured at least four goals
Sparta Prague have lost 11 of their last 13 Europa League away games
Both teams have scored in eight of Sparta Prague’s last ten matches on the road
Rangers have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six games at Ibrox
Prediction
Rangers have already beaten Real Betis at home in the Europa League this season and they look well placed to add a victory over Sparta Prague to their tally on Thursday.
The Gers have discovered a new lease of life since Clement took the helm from Michael Beale and after some strong Scottish Premiership performances in recent weeks, they boosted their confidence further by winning Sunday’s League Cup semi-final against Hearts at Hampden Park.
They have scored 17 goals in their last six games and while that included a goalless draw against Sparta last month, they are undoubtedly heading in the right direction and it is only a matter of time before they transfer their fine form onto the European stage.
While Sparta are top of the Czech League, they do have problems taking their results away from domestic competition and they have already tasted defeat on the road to Dinamo Zagreb and Betis in this season’s Europa League.
This could prove another tough assignment for a team who tend to struggle on their European travels and Rangers are in the sort of form that should see them take advantage.
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