Sparta Prague vs. Shamrock Rovers

In the second leg of the Champions League's second qualifying round, Czech champions Sparta Prague will host Shamrock Rovers at epet ARENA on Tuesday.

Sparta Prague returned from Ireland with a 2-0 victory on July 23, thanks to goals from Veljko Birmancevic and Tomas Wiesner in the 37th and 64th minutes, respectively. This win gives them a solid advantage going into the home fixture.

In the first leg, Sparta Prague dominated with 69% possession and 11 shots, eight of which were on target. This victory marked only their second in their last 12 Champions League matches and their first clean sheet in five games.

Manager Lars Friis will be pleased with his team's strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, having won their first three competitive fixtures. On July 27, Sparta Prague continued their domestic success with a 4-1 victory over Teplice.

Friis is confident about advancing to the third qualifying round, especially considering Sparta Prague hasn't lost a competitive match by at least two goals since their Europa League clash with Liverpool on March 14.

Shamrock Rovers, however, are coming off their second consecutive defeat and their fourth in six games. In the first leg, they managed only two shots on target from five attempts and had just 31% possession.

For Shamrock Rovers to advance, they need to make history, as they have never won an away game in the Champions League and have kept only three clean sheets in these fixtures. Their last victory by at least two goals was against Drogheda United on May 31, and their last win by at least three goals was also against Drogheda United on April 29.

Rovers have dropped to fifth in their league with 34 points from 23 matches and are not scheduled to play another League of Ireland match until August 2.

Manager Stephen Bradley saw some promising aspects in their performance against Sparta Prague and insists the tie is still open if his team can replicate the positive elements of their play on Tuesday. Friis, satisfied with his team's ball control, is unlikely to make significant changes from the first leg.

Striker Victor Olatunji and winger Ermal Krasniqi, both scorers in Sparta Prague's recent win against Teplice, might be subbed in during the second half if Shamrock Rovers' defense shows vulnerabilities in their quest for goals.

Shamrock Rovers might recall Jack Byrne after his suspension in the first leg, and Lee Grace could be an option for Bradley. Midfielder Markus Poom, who returned to the squad last week, was an unused substitute in the loss to Sparta Prague.

Sparta Prague possible starting lineup: Jensen; Vitik, Ross, Zeleny; Wiesner, Laci, Solbakken, Albeniz; Tuci, Kuchta, Birmancevic

Shamrock Rovers possible starting lineup: Pohls; Honohan, Lopes, Cleary; Farrugia, Nugent, Clarke, O'Neill, Byrne; Watts, Kenny