Celtic Glasgow vs Sparta Prague – Prediction (Europa League – 5.11.2020)

H2H: Celtic v Sparta – Comparison.

Celtic’s Mohamed Elyounoussi has scored three goals from just four shots on target in the group stage. Sparta captain Bořek Dočkal has netted their only UEL strike this campaign, and scored three goals before HT across their last three top-flight away games. Celtic have played 52 straight UEL/UEFA Cup games without a goalless draw.

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Celtic Insights.

Celtic forfeited a 2-0 HT lead to draw 2-2 with Lille in their last UEFA Europa League (UEL) clash, in what was the fourth game from Celtic’s last five in which they conceded 2+ goals. Sitting three points behind second place makes this game an early must-win for the Scottish champions though, and with no UEL home draw since November 2015 (W8, L6), a winner either way looks likely. Whilst the hosts’ previous two home games against Czech opposition ended in victory by at least a -1 handicap, their previous four UEL home matches saw both teams score, so there’s no guarantee of a landslide here. The 51-time Scottish champions – and first-ever European Cup winners from the UK – should be confident though as they’ve won three of their last four UEL group stage home games, two despite a -1 handicap.

Sparta Insights.

Sparta Prague’s two defeats and seven goals conceded is the worst two-game start of any of the 48 teams competing in the UEL group stage, but with their domestic league suspended due to Covid-19, they will likely pin the blame on that turmoil. Their 38th consecutive European campaign therefore looks set for an early exit, especially if they can’t halt a six-game losing away run in continental competition. Both of the Czech outfit’s two UEL defeats this term saw them trail at HT, which has also been the case in their last seven UEL away losses. If Sparta are to cause their hosts any problems, it may come after HT – all three UEL away goals they’ve scored since August 2016 were second-half strikes.

Match Info and Live Scores.