After a disappointing Champions League campaign Sparta Prague will be looking for the victory over FC Thun which would ensure them a place in the UEFA Cup.
The Czech champions have just one point from five Group B games and coach Stanislav Griga acknowledges that UEFA Cup qualification will hardly compensate for what has been a disappointing campaign.
“If Sparta win, it will still have been a very bad autumn for the club and its players,” he said.
Griga refuses to underestimate tonight’s opponents.
“Thun are not outsiders any more,” he said.
“They are a very organised team. Their defence, in particular, is solid, and they’ve played well against Ajax and Arsenal in recent games.”
Tomás Sivok and Karol Kisel are missing, although forward Miroslav Matusovic is expected to have recovered from flu .
With just a point required for a UEFA Cup spot, Thun coach Urs Schönenberger is optimistic that Thun’s debut European campaign can be extended into the new year.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “We’re here in Prague to take our chance and we’re well prepared and focused.”
“It’s dangerous to only try to get a draw,” he explained. “We will play to win.”
Thun defender Ljubo Milicevic is doubtful with an ankle problem, while Deumi and Nelson Ferreira are both missing through suspension.
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