Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Conference League Qualifying match.
Sparta Prague will look to take a commanding lead in the first leg at home as they welcome Ararat-Armenia in the UEFA Conference League qualification. The away team is unlikely to withstand the pressure from a team that has shown sharp attacking intent early in the season and already built momentum in their domestic campaign.
Sparta Prague
Since the return of Brian Priske as head coach, Sparta Prague have undergone a notable transformation. The team began the season in confident fashion, recording friendly wins over BSC Young Boys (3:1) and Mladá Boleslav (2:1). In the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, they eased past FC Aktobe, winning the home leg 4:0 before narrowly losing the second leg 1:2. Their domestic form has been equally impressive — seven points from the opening three rounds and seven goals scored, the highest tally in the league.
Ararat-Armenia
Ararat-Armenia kicked off their European campaign with a surprise qualification, edging out Universitatea Cluj (0:0, 2:1), with the decisive goal arriving in extra time. In the Armenian Premier League, they began with a goalless draw, and their only pre-season win came against a modest Kakheti Telavi side (4:2). Under new head coach Manuel Tulipa, Ararat-Armenia remain unbeaten in three matches but have scored just twice, one of which came in extra time.
Sparta Prague vs Ararat-Armenia Prediction
Sparta Prague have made a convincing start to the season, whereas Ararat-Armenia are still finding their rhythm, particularly in front of goal. The Czechs outperform their opponents across all major statistics and should be expected to secure a comfortable home victory with a -2 handicap.
