Southampton welcome Sparta Prague to St. Mary’s on Thursday evening as the Premier League outfit begin a rare outing in the UEFA Europa League.
Southampton FC Betting News
Southampton FC take on the Czech outfit this Thursday beginning a new European journey, having last competed in the first round of the Europa League / UEFA Cup in the 2003/04 season, having finished runners-up in the FA Cup final in 2003.
Last season Southampton were in the pre-qualifiers for the Europa League, but lost in a play-off to Danish champions FC Midtjylland.
In the Premier League last time out Southampton took on Arsenal at the Emirates, losing 2-1, having conceded a late and controversial penalty. That loss means the Saints are winless from four Premier League matches this season.
In terms of team news Jeremy Pied is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Sofiane Boufal isn’t expected to make his debut until October.
Elsewhere, Ryan Bertrand made his first appearance of the season at the weekend but may be rested on Thursday to manage his workload.
Sparta Prague Betting News
Sparta Prague meanwhile go into Thursday’s clash as the bookies’ underdogs, having drawn 2-2 at home to Mladá Boleslav last time out in the Czech First Division.
Having six matches been played in the Czech First Division so far this season Sparta Prague now sit 2nd in the table on 14 points, having won two and draw two league matches.
Last season Sparta Prague performed impressively, reaching the quarter finals, eventually losing to the Spanish side Villarreal 6-3 on aggregate. Sparta Prague have used a variety of formations throughout the league campaign this season and it remains to be seen how they will line up on Thursday.
Notably, former Arsenal attacker Tomas Rosicky re-signed for Sparta Prague towards the end of the window and is still waiting to start his first game back at the club.
Southampton FC vs Sparta Prague Match Prediction
Sparta Prague have only won one of their nine matches away against English opposition and they are without a win in their last 14 matches against Premier League teams.
Elsewhere, Southampton’s debut in the group stage of the Europa League having only been knocked out in the preliminary stages before this. They are, however, unbeaten in five European home matches.
Southampton have not hit the ground running under Claude Puel but they should still have enough to overcome a Sparta Prague side that have failed against English teams in the past.
