Southampton face challenge in Prague

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The two top teams in Group K of the Europa League go head-to-head on Thursday night, as Sparta Prague host Southampton.

Sparta suffered a 3-0 defeat at St Marys in their opening group game but have since recorded three consecutive victories in the competition. Their good run of form has put the team from the Czech capital two points ahead of their Premier League visitors in the group table.

In fact, this game could very well play a big part in who wins the group. If Sparta records a victory then they will win the group and earn a more favourable draw in the knockout stages. While a Saints win would put the team from the south coast in the driving seat in the group.

Sparta’s home form has been very good, as they have recorded five consecutive wins on home soil, including last time out in this competition against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. The Czech side have also kept clean sheets in their last four home games.

Southampton have been inconsistent of late, as the Saints have won just three of their last ten games in all competitions. Claude Puel’s side have won just one of their last eight games on their travels, having failed to win any of their last five away games.

To make matters worse the Saints have failed to score in both of their previous away games in the Europa League this season. A battling 0-0 draw at home against the potent attack of Liverpool last time out was a positive result.

Forebet predicts that Southampton will record a victory in the Czech capital, which would be a fantastic result for the Saints. However, the clash is likely to be a very close encounter, with defences looking more likely to come out on top than attacks.