Liverpool vs Sparta Prague predictions: Reds' youngsters can prove themselves
- Liverpool lead 5-1 after the first leg
- Sparta have failed to win their last three games
- Recommended bet: Liverpool to win and both teams to score
Liverpool look well set to secure progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, with even Thursday's visitors Sparta Prague unlikely to believe they can overhaul a 5-1 deficit.
Darwin Nunez netted twice as the Reds romped home at the epet Arena, while the game also provided vital minutes for Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah.
The former started in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City, while Salah came off the bench. Both might be rested on Thursday, with Jurgen Klopp's selection likely to reflect his plans for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.
Opposite number Brian Priske may also rotate. His side currently lead their domestic league by just a single point from local rivals Slavia following Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Viktoria Plzen and with them also into the semi-finals of the Czech Cup, they have other priorities.
Team news
Klopp says Salah is ready to start but may not be risked, while Ibrahima Konate is kept out by a hamstring issue.
Diogo Jota (knee), Curtis Jones (shin), Alisson Becker (thigh) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee) headline a packed injury list, suggesting youngsters such as James McConnell and Bobby Clark could be handed starts.
Asger Sorensen was withdrawn in the first leg with a hamstring injury and remains a doubt for Sparta.
Ladislav Krejci is almost certain to play due to an impending suspension following his two yellow cards in Plzen.
The stats
Liverpool won all three of their Europa League Group E games by a combined aggregate score of 11-1.
Nunez's brace in Prague took him to four goals for the competition, while Harvey Elliott has provided three assists.
Sparta's only victory over English opposition came against Watford in 1983-84 and they have failed to win their last 10 away games when facing such sides, scoring just four times during that time.
The Reds have progressed on all 36 occasions they have won the first-leg of a knockout tie away from home.
Prediction
Even with complacency a possibility, it is tough to forecast anything other than a Liverpool win.
Their youngsters' have impressed this season and are unlikely to let Klopp and their senior colleagues down should they get their chance.
They kept two clean sheets during the groups but have been porous in recent months, recording just one shutout at home since December 17.
Sparta netted home and away against a talented Galatasaray side in the play-off round, losing 3-2 in Istanbul before triumphing 4-1 at home.
Priske's side should be good for a goal at Anfield, but even a fresh-faced Reds XI are expected to have too much and display their credentials by recording another victory.
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