Determining a favorite between AZ Alkmaar, which includes Czech midfielder Matěj Šín on its roster, and Sparta Prague is proving difficult. Even betting agencies are predicting a closely contested matchup.
The outcome will likely hinge on small details, exceptional individual performances, or potential absences. Sparta Prague will be without Magnus Kofod Andersen and Elias Cobbaut, both sidelined with long-term injuries, and Santiago Eneme remains unavailable. Asger Sörensen was also absent over the weekend.
Further complicating matters, Patrik Vydra sustained a foot injury during Sunday’s derby match and was forced to leave the game using crutches. His absence represents a significant loss, as he had been a key player in recent matches.
Jakub Martinec and Joao Grimaldo are also unavailable for the coaching staff, as they are not on the Conference League roster.
A positive development for coach Priske is the return of Peter Vindahl, who suffered an injury to his foot in mid-February during a match against Hradec Králové. The Danish goalkeeper unfortunately kicked the goalpost and sustained the injury. He missed four matches, during which Jakub Surovčík capably filled in.
This upcoming double-header against Alkmaar holds special significance for Vindahl, as he previously played for the club. During the 2021/2022 season, he played 36 matches in the Dutch league and recorded five clean sheets.
The match against the current sixth-place team in the Dutch league is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 6:45 PM. While Sparta Prague advanced directly to the round of 16, Alkmaar had to overcome Noah from Armenia in the first round of the play-offs.
This is another step toward achieving their dream of reaching the grand final of the youngest European competition in Leipzig. However, several difficult obstacles remain.
Sparta Prague needs to rebound from recent performances. They lost the aforementioned derby in Eden over the weekend, suffering a 1:3 defeat after a poor second-half showing. Last Tuesday, they were also eliminated from the MOL Cup, losing to Mladá Boleslav in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout.
