Liverpool v Sparta Prague Preview: Liverpool Back in Action in Second Leg

Need to Know

After a dramatic 1-1 draw with fellow league contenders Manchester City, Liverpool are called back to action as they face Sparta Prague in the second leg of the Europa League last 16.

Liverpool currently hold a comfortable 5-1 lead after stunning the Czech side in their away leg last week.

They will hope for more of the same going into the final leg as they look to solidify their place in the Europa League Quarter Finals. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side head into the match of the back of an eight-game unbeaten run of which Liverpool won 7 of those games. 

The side are keen favourites to win the competition out-right after already picking up silverware elsewhere this season in the Carabao Cup.

Many fans may have expected a calmer, more relaxed approach by the side after succeeding in an impressive scoresheet in the previous game against Sparta. 

However, in a press conference ahead of the match, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has promised home supporters an entertaining game with action throughout.

Klopp stated: “We have to play a really good football game because it’s our home ground and it’s our competition where we want to go as far as possible. We have to ignore the result and focus on the performance. They had some really good chances so that’s my mind.”

Team News

Despite this, it is expected Klopp will be eager to heavily rotate his team selection as he looks further to Sunday’s clash in the FA Cup. 

On Sunday will Liverpool meet north-west rivals Manchester United in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.

Performances throughout the season so far have shown a great depth to Liverpool’s squad.

Particular praise has gone to Klopp’s ability to bring in home-grown, fresh talent with the likes of Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas. 

Klopp has also discussed the potential of forward Mo Salah starting for the first time since sustaining a muscle injury in the Africa Cup of Nations back in January. 

Klopp had this to say on the Egyptian’s chance of appearing in the starting line-up: “He is ready. He is top fit, everything is good now and we don’t have to deal with these kind of things anymore. I’m not sure if he is ready for 90 minutes and I’m not sure we should do 90 minutes, but he’s ready to start so that’s how it is.”

Where and When to Watch

Liverpool will play at Anfield against Sparta Prague on Thursday 14th March at 8pm.

Available on TNT Sports.

Featured Image Credit: Craig Mercer, Alamy Live News