Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm: Europa League Preview, Team News and Prediction

Sparta Prague welcome Lillestrøm to the epet ARENA looking to build on an excellent start to the Europa League league phase. The Czech side are on a winning run and strong favourites, while the Norwegians are searching for their first points. Follow Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm live on Score808 for the score, lineups and stats.

Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm: Kick-Off Time and Venue

• Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026/27, league phase, Matchday 2
• Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
• Kick-off: 19:45 Kenya time (EAT), 18:45 CEST, 17:45 BST, 16:45 UTC
• Venue: epet ARENA (Stadion Letná), Prague, Czech Republic

Where Both Teams Stand

Brian Priske's side opened with a convincing 4-1 victory away to Ararat-Armenia, while Lillestrøm were beaten 2-1 at home by Torreense. Sparta sit inside the top four on three points, and Lillestrøm are near the bottom with none. In the 36-team league phase, the top eight go straight to the round of 16, and teams ranked 9th to 24th enter the knockout playoff. Europa League football returns to the epet ARENA after a three-year absence, so the home crowd should be loud.

Sparta Prague: Form and Team News

Sparta are in outstanding form. They have won five consecutive matches in all competitions and five of their last six overall. Their recent finished matches on Score808:

• Ararat-Armenia 1-4 Sparta Prague (16 Sep, Europa League)
• Lyon 3-0 Sparta Prague (11 Aug, Champions League qualifying)
• Sparta Prague 2-1 Lyon (4 Aug, Champions League qualifying)

The domestic record is strong too. Sparta have the joint-second-best attack in the Czech top flight, scoring 20 goals in 10 games. They have scored nine goals across their last five matches while conceding only one. Roman Macek supplied an assist against Pardubice and remains important in linking Sparta's build-up with their attacking line.

On team news, Priske has five absentees but still has a strong group available, with Hugo Sochurek and Ebrima Singhateh among the less regular starters. Another preview says there are no major injury worries for either manager, so check the confirmed lineup.

Likely names (4-3-3): Surovčík, Suchomel, Mbe Soh, Guddal, Zelený, Karabec, Macek, Sochurek, Mercado, Braut Brunes and Alcócer.

Lillestrøm: Form and Team News

Lillestrøm have attacked well but have not turned chances into results. Their last four finished matches:

• Lillestrøm 2-2 Molde (11 Oct, Eliteserien)
• Lillestrøm 1-2 Torreense (17 Sep, Europa League)
• Lillestrøm 2-1 Egnatia (27 Aug, Europa League qualifying)
• Egnatia 0-0 Lillestrøm (20 Aug, Europa League qualifying)

That is one win, two draws and one defeat. Lillestrøm generated 25 shots against Torreense, the second-highest total of any team on Matchday 1, but still lost 2-1. Hans Erik Ødegaard's side showed resilience at the weekend by recovering from a first-half deficit to draw with Molde. The defence is a concern. Lillestrøm have scored 30 goals and conceded 31 in 22 Eliteserien games this season.

Vá created five chances against Torreense and is Lillestrøm's main creative outlet. Thomas Lehne Olsen found the net on Matchday 1. The midfield trio of Ylldren Ibrahimaj, Filip Ottosson and Gustav Nyheim is expected to try to disrupt Sparta's control.

Head-to-Head Record

The teams are set to face off for the first time. Sparta have had six competitive encounters against Norwegian opponents, winning two, drawing three and losing one. That makes them clear favourites but not unbeatable against Scandinavian opposition.

Key Players to Watch

• Roman Macek (Sparta): the link between build-up and attack.
• Adam Karabec (Sparta): a creative threat in the final third.
• Jonatan Braut Brunes (Sparta): the likely focal point up front.
• Vá (Lillestrøm): the main creator for the visitors.
• Thomas Lehne Olsen (Lillestrøm): the scorer who must convert Lillestrøm's chances.

Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm Prediction

Previews expect a Sparta win with Lillestrøm finding a goal:

• Sportskeeda predicts Sparta Praha 3-1 Lillestrøm.
• Football Predictions also predicts a 3-1 Sparta win.
• WhoScored expects a Sparta win with both sides scoring.
• Tips.gg expects a comfortable Sparta win with a clean sheet.
• SportyTrader gives Sparta a 56.79% chance of winning.

Our view: Sparta's form, home advantage and attacking record make them clear favourites. Lillestrøm create chances but have a leaky defence, so a goal for the visitors is possible. A 3-1 Sparta win looks most likely. This is a forecast, not a guarantee.

How to Follow Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm Live

Open the Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm match page on Score808 for live updates, lineups and stats. You can also visit the UEFA Europa League hub for tonight's other fixtures, and see team pages for Sparta Prague and Lillestrøm. To catch up on recent form, see Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Prague, Lillestrøm vs Torreense and Lillestrøm vs Molde. For more Prague football, read our Sabah vs Slavia Prague preview. Also tonight, read our previews of Lyon vs Crystal Palace and AZ Alkmaar vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva, and the Torreense vs Sunderland match page. Check your local broadcaster for the TV channel.

FAQ

What time is Sparta Prague vs Lillestrøm in Kenya?
Kick-off is 19:45 EAT on Thursday 15 October 2026, which is 16:45 UTC.

Where is the match being played?
At the epet ARENA (Stadion Letná) in Prague, Czech Republic.

How did both teams start in the Europa League?
Sparta won 4-1 at Ararat-Armenia. Lillestrøm lost 2-1 at home to Torreense.

Have these teams met before?
No. This is their first meeting.

Who manages each team?
Brian Priske at Sparta Prague and Hans Erik Ødegaard at Lillestrøm.

Who is favourite to win?
Sparta Prague, by a clear margin.