The first match of the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 Conference League between Aktobe (Kazakhstan) and Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) will take place on July 24 at the Central Stadium. Aktobe vs. Sparta Prague: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Aktobe
Vyacheslav Levchuk's side began this European season in the Europa League but lost both legs to Legia with identical 0-1 scores. Aktobe will be participating in the Conference League for the third time. Last season, the Kazakh team played only one round in this tournament, while the year before, they reached the third qualifying stage, which is the club's best achievement in the competition.
- The team has not won in 6 of their last 7 European matches (1 draw, 5 losses).
- In their last 6 international matches, the club has not conceded more than one goal.
- In 5 of their last 7 home European matches, Aktobe failed to score.
Predicted lineup for Aktobe (4-5-1)
Andrey Vlad – Nemanja Andjelkovic, Bagdat Kairat, Bogdan Vatajelu, Lev Skvortsov – Daniel Sosa, Jairo Jean, Nikita Korzun, Georgy Zhukov, Vyacheslav Shvyrev – Artur Shushenachev.
Sparta Prague
The Prague team finished fourth in the last Czech championship, earning a spot in the Conference League. Previously, Sparta participated in the inaugural season of this third-tier European competition and came close to reaching the Round of 16. Last year, the team competed in the Champions League but delivered a weak performance, managing only one win in the group stage (1 draw, 6 losses). Additionally, the Czechs conceded 21 goals, a tally worse than only four other teams.
Before the new season, the team was taken over by Brian Priske.
- The team is on a 6-match losing streak in the Champions League.
- Sparta has scored at least one goal in 11 of their last 13 away European matches.
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 11 of Sparta's last 13 away European matches.
Predicted lineup for Sparta Prague (3-4-3)
Peter Vindahl-Jensen – Emmanuel Uchenna, Filip Panak, Elias Cobbaut – Jaroslav Zeleny, Kaan Kairinen, Pavel Kaderabek, Patrik Vyda – Jan Kuchta, Ermal Krasniki, Lukas Haraslin.
Referee
Kristoffer Hagenes (Norway)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 14%.
Aktobe vs. Sparta Prague: Match Prediction
The exit from the Europa League probably didn't surprise Aktobe fans much. After all, the Kazakhs rarely achieve positive results in European competitions. The fact that Legia was just starting their season, while the Kazakh championship had already passed its midpoint, didn't help the team either. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that Aktobe challenges their international opponents: their last five defeats have been by the narrowest of margins. At home in European competitions, the Kazakhs have never lost by more than one goal.
The Czechs regularly participate in European competitions, but Sparta struggles to deliver consistent results both at home and away. The Prague team has won only 4 of their last 22 away European matches (3 draws, 15 losses). In the new season, the team has played only one official game, and it will be challenging against an opponent in good form. The long distance the Czechs must travel should not be underestimated either. I believe these factors will help the hosts put on a respectable performance.
My prediction: Aktobe with a handicap (+1.5)
