Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 16, 2026
Europa League
In the 1st round of the Europa League main phase on September 16, 2026, Ararat-Armenia will face Sparta Prague. Both sides will be looking to make a winning start to the tournament.
Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague team news and expert analysis
The Yerevan club reclaimed the league title last season after a six-year wait. However, they have made a less convincing start on the domestic front this time around, mostly winning but already recording a draw and a defeat. They did, however, beat Syunik 3-0 in the latest round. The Prague side once again lost the title race to Slavia in the spring, finishing second yet again. In the new campaign, they have already suffered a 0-3 defeat in the capital derby, and overall they have recorded as many defeats as victories. They did beat Jablonec 2-0 in their latest match.
The Armenians began their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers this summer. After overcoming Riga and Shamrock Rovers in dramatic fashion, winning at home before suffering away defeats, they then scored one goal fewer than Celje, losing 1-2 and 0-2. However, they eliminated Universitatea Craiova in the Europa League, drawing away before winning 1-0 at home thanks to a goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time!
The Czechs entered the Champions League qualifiers in the final qualifying round. They even beat Lyon 2-1 at home, but then suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat in France.
Head to Head matches: Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague
The clubs met last summer in the Conference League qualifying rounds. The Czechs won both matches.
The visitors are considered clear favourites, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding them, while the hosts have ambitions of their own. We are backing over 2.5 total goals (odds – 1.68).
Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague: key statistics and trends
- Ararat-Armenia have won all four of their home matches in European competitions, while suffering three away defeats and one draw
- Ararat-Armenia score an average of 2 goals and concede 1 per match
- 57% of Ararat-Armenia's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.0 goals per game
- Sparta Prague have won their last two matches
- Sparta Prague score an average of 1.88 goals and concede 1.5 goals per match
- 50% of Sparta Prague's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.38 goals per game
Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague: Possible starting lineups
Ararat-Armenia play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Joao Bravim - Grigoryan, Malis, Bruno Wilson, Jose Bueno - Hugo Oliveira, Muradyan - Banjaki, Benny Dias, Serobyan - Sandro Lima
Sparta Prague play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Surovcik - Rynes, Sorensen, Zeleny, Suchomel - Irving, Macek - Alcocer, Karabec, Mercado - Brunes. Shevinsky was sent off in the previous European match.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Europa League standings.
