Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Praha

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Bayer Leverkusen hosts Sparta Praha in their final league phase game of the UEFA Champions League. Leverkusen, who have already secured a place in the knockout rounds, aim to close the group stage on a high after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid on Matchday 7. In contrast, Sparta Praha is out of contention after losing five consecutive games, with their most recent being a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan.

• Previous Meetings: 1
• Leverkusen Wins: 1
• Sparta Praha Wins: 0
• Draws: 0
  

Leverkusen 1-0 Sparta Praha (2007/08 UEFA Cup group stage)

• Manuel Friedrich scored the decisive goal, securing a narrow victory for Leverkusen.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): D-L-W-W-W
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Leverkusen (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Leverkusen is unbeaten in 12 of their last European home games (W9 D3), including notable wins over AC Milan (1-0) and Inter Milan (1-0) this season.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): L-W-L-W-W
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Sparta Praha 0-1 Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Sparta has lost five consecutive games in this Champions League campaign, conceding 18 goals during the run.
  

Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1 under Xabi Alonso.

Key Players:

• Florian Wirtz: The German playmaker has been in scintillating form with 5 goals in the group stage, offering creativity and attacking thrust.
• Granit Xhaka: The Swiss midfielder controls the tempo with his passing and leadership in midfield.
• Jeremie Frimpong: The Dutch fullback is an attacking threat down the right flank with 4 assists this season in all competitions. 

Suspensions/Injuries:

• Piero Hincapié: Suspended.
• Martin Terrier: Ruled out due to Achilles tendon rupture. 
• Amine Adli: Ruled out due to a broken fibula.
• Matija Marsenic: Ruled out due to Cruciate ligament tear. 
• Jeanuël Belocian: Ruled out due to Cruciate ligament tear.
  

Formation: Likely 4-4-2 under Lars Friis.

Key Players:

• Victor Olatunji: The Nigerian forward has 2 goals in this Champions League campaign and poses a threat in the box.
• Veljko Birmančević: A dynamic midfielder who provides a spark in attack.
• Angelo Preciado: A reliable presence in defence who supports attacks from the back.

Suspensions/Injuries:

•  Martin Vitík: Will miss the next match if booked.
•  Elias Cobbaut: Ruled out due to an unknown injury.
•  Angelo Preciado: Rule out due to Meniscus injury.
•  Imanol García de Albéniz: Ruled out due to knee injury.
• Indrit Tuci: Ruled out due to an unknown injury. 
• Albion Rrahmani: Ruled out due to a muscle injury.
  

Leverkusen is expected to dominate possession, with Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka dictating the play in midfield. Their wing-backs, especially Frimpong, will overlap and deliver crosses for Patrik Schick or Victor Boniface. Xabi Alonso’s team has been solid defensively, particularly at home, and they’ll look to neutralise Sparta’s counter-attacks.

Sparta is likely to play a more conservative game, focusing on a compact defensive structure and counter-attacking opportunities. Olatunji will be key in holding the ball up for runners like Birmančević and Haraslín. The Czech side will need a disciplined defensive performance to keep Leverkusen at bay.

Leverkusen 3-0 Sparta Praha

Leverkusen’s superior quality and home advantage should ensure a comfortable victory, while Sparta Praha's defensive vulnerabilities may be exposed.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick began his professional career at Sparta Praha, scoring 7 goals in a loan spell at Bohemians 1905 that eventually earned him a move to Serie A.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.