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Shamrock Rovers will invite Sparta Prague to Tallaght Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round on Tuesday. The hosts were eliminated from the first qualifying round of the Champions League last season. The visitors, meanwhile, were eliminated from the third round of the competition.
The hosts booked their place in the second round with a 2-1 win over Vikingur Reykjavik earlier this month, with Johnny Kenny bagging a brace. Vikingur's Nikolaj Hansen missed from the penalty spot in stoppage time, which ensured a narrow win for the Rovers.
The visitors secured a place in the second round directly after winning the Czech First League last season. They played their first competitive match of the season last week as they got their 2024-25 season underway with a 2-1 home win over Pardubice.
Matěj Ryneš scored in the first half to level the scores, thanks to David Pavelka's assist, and Victor Olatunji scored the match-winner in the second half.
Shamrock Rovers vs Sparta Prague Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams meet for the first time.
- The hosts saw their unbeaten streak end after three games on Saturday, as they fell to a 1-0 loss to Bohemians in the FAI Cup.
- The hosts have seen under 2.5 goals in their last five games, keeping two clean sheets and failing to score in two games as well.
- Shamrock Rovers have won four of their last five home games in the Champions League qualifiers.
- Sparta Prague are winless in their last four games in the Champions League qualifiers and have just one win in their last 11 games.
- The hosts have failed to score in four of their last six games in UEFA qualifiers.
Shamrock Rovers vs Sparta Prague Prediction
The Hoops have struggled in their recent league games, with just two wins in their last six games. They have failed to score in three of their last five games. They have fared a little better at home, with just one loss in their last five games, recording three wins.
Iron Sparta began their 2024-25 campaign with a home win last week in the Czech First League and will look to build on that form. Interestingly, they are winless in their last eight away games in the Champions League qualifiers, suffering five losses, which is a cause for concern.
Considering the visitors' better record in UEFA competitions and advantage in terms of squad quality, Sparta are expected to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Sparta Prague
Shamrock Rovers vs Sparta Prague Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Sparta Prague to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Jan Kuchta to score or assist any time - Yes
