Sparta Prague vs Arsenal Preview: 2007-08 UEFA Champions League

There are quite a few weeks left before the start of UEFA Champions League is 2007-08 season. We already know the names of some of the clubs that are going to play in this season’s Champions League. On the other hand, some other clubs are now busy with qualification process. On 15 August, Sparta Prague is going to face English club Arsenal in the first leg of Third Qualifying Round. The match will take place in Czech Republic and that is why Sparta Prague will have home advantage. Of course, two weeks later, in the second leg, Arsenal will play in their home ground too. This match will decide who will go in the second stage between these two teams who have a lot of experience of playing in European tournaments.

Arsenal is one of the most successful English clubs of all time. It has tremendous record of success both in Premier League and FA Cup in England. However, when it comes to UEFA Champions League, Arsenal does not have that much impressive record. In fact, Arsenal has never won this tournament. Playing in UEFA Champions League is prestigious for any team and it also brings money. Last season, Arsenal had terrible condition and finished fourth in the Premier League table. So, Arsenal now has to fight against Sparta Prague for the qualifying spot. This time, Arsenal is without their French ace striker Thiere Henry.

On the other hand, Sparta Prague is the top and most famous club of Czech Republic. Sparta Prague has won the title of their national league for 34 times. However, they do not have impressive record in UEFA Champions League either. In the last season, the club won the title of the football league of Czech Republic.

The two clubs met in the group stage in 2005/2006 UEFA Champions League. Arsenal won both the home and the away matches. Arsenal won 2-0 in the match held in Prague and if you want to know about that match more then you can read this report of BBC: Sparta Prague 0-2 Arsenal. Thierry Henry scored both the goals for Arsenal in that match. In the match played in London, Arsenal won easily by 3-0. So, Arsenal officials should be happy that they have to face Sparta Prague this time.

On the other hand, this is going to be a tough challenge for Sparta Prague as they do not have impressive track record against Arsenal. However, upsets happen quite frequently in this tournament. Sparta Prague officials know very well that Arsenal is without Thierry Henry this time. So, they have more reason to be hopeful. Secondly, Arsenal could not spend a lot of money during the summer transfer window. So, Arsenal is not exactly the mighty team that it used to be in the last two decades. A UEFA Champions League means more money for Sparta Prague and that is why its players will try to give all out effort to get the upper hand of Arsenal and qualify for the group stage.

Secretary of Arsenal Club David Miles expressed his satisfaction over the draw while he talked with Sky Sports News. He said:

"I think we will be pleased with that, we have played Sparta Prague four times in the last six years in the group stages of the Champions League and are very much looking forward to the trip to Prague."

If you want to know more about his idea then visit this article: Arsenal satisfied with Sparta draw. David Miles also said:

"We won't take anything for granted and (manager) Arsene (Wenger) with his network of scouts will be doing his homework on Sparta Prague, he is very thorough in that respect.

"It is important for the club both financially and for the supporters to be playing in the group stages where you have got a guaranteed three home games and away games.”

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger is not unhappy with the draw. He is cautious about one thing: Sparta’s experience in playing Champions League Matches. He said:

"Sparta have a good knowledge of the competition. When there is an experience in the opposition club it is always a difficult game - but we still feel we have enough quality to have a good chance to go through."

I feel that Arsenal will have basically one problem in the match. They have to find a good sticker. I am not sure yet if Eduardo da Silva can fill up the position of Henry. On the midfield, Arsenal should not have any problem. They have good defense too and Lehmann is still one of the top three goalkeepers in Premier League. Robin VAN PERSIE needs to be in good form too. He played well last season. However, this is a new season and he needs to play well.

In the end, I feel that Arsenal will either win or the draw the match. I see very slim chance for Sparta Prague to win although they are playing in their own stadium.

What is your prediction for the match?