Despite Stade Brestois' excellent start in European competition, bookmakers are hesitant to label the French side as favourites in their away fixture against Sparta Prague. The Czech team were also showing strong form in the Champions League league stage until their away match against Manchester City (0:5) exposed their weaknesses.
In that encounter two weeks ago in England, Sparta Prague had a decent first half, conceding just one goal. However, following Lukas Haraslin's injury, they reshuffled their formation, leading to four unanswered goals (2.85 xGA over 90 minutes). Since the end of September, the Czech side have managed only two wins in eight matches across all competitions, struggling to find consistent results even in their domestic league.
In October, Stade Brestois performed nearly flawlessly, going unbeaten in five straight matches (three wins and two draws). After thrashing Red Bull Salzburg (4:0), the team put up a good fight against Bayer Leverkusen (1:1), where the reigning German champions managed just 0.97 xG with only three shots on target (the same number as the French side). With Abdallah Sima injured, Romain Faivre is set to start again; the former Olympique Lyon player has recorded 2+1 in eight Ligue 1 appearances.
In a match that may not attract much attention on Wednesday, neither team is expected to have a clear advantage. Naturally, Sparta Prague will attempt to play actively at home, but Stade Brestois' defence has handled more dangerous opponents, making a "double chance" for the visitors a solid choice.
