On February 17, the Czech capital Prague will host the first match of the 1/16 finals of the Conference League. Sparta will face Partizan at their home arena.
In terms of playing practice in 2022, Sparta has an advantage. The hosts of the upcoming game played three matches – two in the championship and one in the cup, setting the following results: two draws and one victory, which they managed to win over Slavia (2:0). Partizan, in turn, just returned from winter training camp, having played one match in the Serbian League – a guest victory against Radnickov (2:0).
Bookmakers, for obvious reasons, sympathize with the home-arena team in this game.
Let us remind you that Sparta unsuccessfully performed in the Europa League. taking third place in the quartet with Lyon, Rangers and Brondby. Yet, Partizan got into the playoffs from the second line of the Conference League group, where they played along with Ghent, Anorthosis and Flora.
Sparta plays at their home arena with an eye on the attack, which consistently provides holes in the defense. For example, in five of the last seven matches in Prague, an exchange of goals was recorded. Partizan in attacks is also not mistake-free. The team from Belgrade opened the defense of opponents in seven of the previous eight “away from home” games.
Given that the away goal rule is no longer in effect, we see no prerequisites for teams to sit back in defense. Therefore, we will bet on “exchange of goals”.