Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Both clubs have reached the main stage of the revamped tournament via the qualifiers. They haven't faced each other in an official match for 41 years.
Sparta Prague
Judging by the results in the final stage of the Champions League qualifiers, Sparta Prague had a more favourable matchup. Malmö failed to score against them over two legs, losing both 0:2. This will be one of the two most famous Czech clubs' first appearance in the main Champions League draw in 19 years. In the national championship, things are also looking good with six wins and one draw at the start, placing them at the top of the table. It's worth mentioning that their last game was in August; they won 2:0 away against Hradec Králové on the 31st. Their match on September 14th against Karviná was cancelled due to a storm affecting Central and Eastern Europe.
Red Bull Salzburg
Salzburg's Bundesliga match against Austria Klagenfurt last Saturday was postponed for the same reason. The Austrian side is currently in fifth place but with two games in hand. The reason for this position includes a loss in the fifth round against Rapid Vienna. Despite good finishing (two goals from four shots on target and 67% possession), they allowed three goals from six shots on target. Their path to the Champions League was longer than usual this year. Sturm Graz won the league for the first time in 11 years, forcing Salzburg into the qualifiers where they faced Twente (2:1, 3:3) and Dynamo Kyiv (2:0, 1:1).
Sparta Prague vs Red Bull Salzburg Prediction
In this matchup, the Austrian club appears to be more experienced than the Czech side. However, bookmakers offer lower odds on a Sparta win. We wouldn't take a risk and opt for a zero handicap on Sparta Prague.
