Sparta Prague Host Lillestroem as Europa League League Phase Continues

Match Overview & Head-to-Head History

Sparta Prague return to Europa League action on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when they take on Norwegian Eliteserien outfit Lillestroem at the epet ARENA. Kick-off is set for 16:45 UTC in Round 2 of the league phase.

This fixture marks the first official meeting between the two sides. While Sparta Prague have never met Lillestroem before, the Czech champions boast an unbeaten record in four previous major European encounters against Norwegian opposition (W2, D2). Lillestroem, meanwhile, are competing against Czech opposition for the first time in their European history.

Form Guide: Flying Czechs vs Searching Norwegians

Brian Priske's Sparta Prague enter the tie in magnificent form, having won each of their last five matches in all competitions. Their impressive run includes a commanding 4-1 victory away to Ararat Armenia in their Europa League opener, alongside clean-sheet wins over Jablonec (2-0), Sigma Olomouc (3-0), and most recently Pardubice (2-0). Sparta currently sit third in the Europa League table with three points and a +3 goal difference.

Lillestroem, under head coach Hans Erik Oedegaard, have experienced a far more mixed spell, recording two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their past five outings. They suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Portuguese side Torreense on matchday one despite generating 25 shots, placing them 22nd in the league phase standings. In domestic action, the Canaries arrive off the back of a 2-2 draw with Molde, where Sander Moen Foss and Felix Va found the target.

Key Players and Team News

Sparta Prague's frontline features ecuadorian forward John Mercado, who has been in devastating form with three goals in his last three appearances. Supporting him in an expected 4-3-3 shape are Josimar Alcocer and Jonatan Braut Brunes, with defender Tobias Guddal also posing a significant threat from set pieces. Sparta will be without Adam Karabec, Matej Rynes, Elias Cobbaut, Magnus Kofod Andersen, and Emannuel Uchenna due to injuries.

Lillestroem are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, anchored by goalkeeper Pontus Dahlberg and central defender Ruben Gabrielsen. Attacking hopes rest on forward Thomas Lehne Olsen and Fredrik Gulbrandsen, along with midfielder Ylldren Ibrahimaj. Camil Jebara remains sidelined through injury for the Norwegian visitors.

Match Prediction & Outlook

Statistical analysis favors Sparta Prague to prevail at home, giving the Czech side a 58.48% probability of victory compared to Lillestroem's 21.04%, with a draw calculated at 20.45%. Given Sparta's strong defensive record and clinical attack, the most likely individual scorelines point to a 2-1 or 2-0 home win.