Sparta Prague vs. Rangers Odds, Predictions & Betting Tips

Philippe Clement and Rangers have a tough trip ahead of them on Thursday when they face the current Czech league leaders at the epet ARENA in Group C of the Europa League. Tom Winch is back with another two of his best bets for this match.

Sparta Prague have been performing tremendously at home. They’ve won all six of their games here in the league scoring an impressive 21 goals, with multiple arriving in every outing. Brian Priske’s side defeated Aris Limassol on the opening match day, and are favourites to claim yet another home win here.

Sparta Prague vs Rangers Tips

Sparta Prague Over 1.5 Team Goals

It’s probably an obvious play here but the price is an appealing one. I can’t quite trust the Czech side to win, therefore backing them in the goals market looks like a strong angle.

Rangers have a new manager in the dugouts but he’s spoken out and said “he’s not a magician” which clearly shows the problems at the club. The Scots lost 2-1 away against Aris in Cyprus just three weeks ago, and deservedly so in regards to the chance creation and xG statistics.

I’m expecting the home side to start quickly here, just like they’ve done in recent weeks. In their previous six home matches in all competitions, Sparta Prague have bagged twice or more inside the first half in every clash. Their longest time for the first goal has been the 20th minute (6,2,11,20,3,17). If Rangers aren’t quite at it early doors then this game could easily run away from them.

It’s never easy to determine the quality in the Scottish top flight, with Rangers and Celtic leaps and bounds above the rest. However, it’s now five losses on the spin away from home in this competition for Rangers. They’ve also never won in this country.

Abdallah Sima To Score & Be Carded

I’m going for a goal and card combo for this clash, which is set up perfectly for the player in question. That man is Rangers’ in-form forward Abdallah Sima. The 22-year-old has scored in both matches for his side in this competition and has bagged in five consecutive appearances.

Sparta Prague’s fiercest rivals are Slavia Prague. The pair hate one another and each side received a red card in their most recent meeting. Sima is a former Slavia Prague player who scored a brace for them in this very stadium back in 2020.

Rangers can’t really afford to lose here. The group is extremely tight after the first two matches with all four sides sat on three points. The Scottish club have found the back of the net in 15 of their previous 16 matches and definitely have a goal in them.

Let’s hope Sima can continue his fine goal-scoring form on his arrival and of course, get himself in trouble with the referee. I’m sure the home fans will be on his case throughout the clash given his alliance with Slavia. He has been booked twice in five of his previous outings, meaning this selection has cashed very recently.