**Rijeka vs Sparta Prague: UEFA Conference League Preview and Prediction**
Rijeka and Sparta Prague will go head-to-head for three points in a UEFA Conference League fixture on Thursday, October 23rd. The match will take place at Stadion HNK Rijeka, promising an exciting clash between these two sides.
**Form Guide and Recent Performances**
Rijeka enter the game following a 1-1 draw away to Slaven Belupo in the Croatian HNK over the weekend. Daniel Adu Adjei gave Rijeka the lead in first-half injury time, but Andrija Filipovic equalized for Slaven Belupo in the 74th minute. Prior to that, Rijeka suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Noah in their previous continental outing.
On the other hand, Sparta Prague also shared the points in a goalless draw away to Slovacko in the Czech Chance Liga. However, their recent UEFA Conference League form is impressive, having thrashed Shamrock Rovers 4-1 at home in their last European match.
**Head-to-Head and Key Statistics**
– This will be the first-ever meeting between Rijeka and Sparta Prague.
– Sparta Prague are currently unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions, boasting four wins in that run.
– Rijeka have struggled recently, winning only one of their last six competitive matches, while losing three.
– This is Rijeka’s first competitive fixture against a Czech opponent.
– Sparta Prague hold an even record against Croatian teams in six games: two wins, two draws, and two losses.
– Six of Sparta’s last eight matches across competitions have seen three or more goals scored.
– Five of Rijeka’s last seven games against top-flight opposition have featured goals from both teams.
**Match Prediction**
Rijeka, who celebrated a long-awaited league title last season, have had a difficult start to their title defense campaign. With just one win from ten games and already 11 points behind league leaders Dinamo Zagreb, they have also changed managers amid concerns over their form. Their struggles have extended to Europe, where their opening results have been underwhelming. Moreover, Rijeka’s home record offers little reassurance, having won only one of their last six home games in competitive fixtures.
Sparta Prague, conversely, come into this match with confidence. Although they have drawn their last two games, they had previously recorded four consecutive wins. Their European matches have generally been high-scoring affairs, with five out of their last seven UEFA games featuring three or more goals. Additionally, six of their last eight wins were achieved by a margin of two or more goals.
Taking all factors into account, we expect Sparta Prague to secure a comfortable victory on the road, with goals from both sides.
**Prediction:** Rijeka 1-3 Sparta Prague
**Betting Tips:**
– Tip 1: Sparta Prague to win
– Tip 2: Both teams to score
– Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals
– Tip 4: Sparta Prague to score over 1.5 goals
Don’t miss this exciting UEFA Conference League encounter as Rijeka aim to bounce back, while Sparta Prague look to continue their strong European run.
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