Sparta Prague v Man United Preview

Man United shouldn't have a lot to fear from the Czech's tonight. Sparta Prague have not beaten an English club for over twenty years and their record so far this season in the Champions League is pretty poor. They have lost their two opening games?.and are firmly rooted to the bottom of the group. The Stan James odds reflect this?Sparta are 3/1?.The Draw is 11/5?.and Man Utd?.5/6. So Fergie's soldiers should be quite bullish about their chances. The one problem for them is that they are missing a few key players. Rio Ferdinand will be missing along with Roy Keane. It could put them at a disadvantage but their squad should be strong enough to handle it and really Man United will be disappointed if they don't come away with the spoils. The other problem for United, is to have a clean bill of health ahead of their big clash on Sunday with Arsenal. It will play on their mind and this is a worry. They know they can afford to slip up here?.but not on Sunday. So we could see a weakish side tonight. Sparta Prague will be hoping Karel Poborsky shrugs off an injury and plays, because he'll know how United operate. They are up against it in the Group and really need to win this if they have any hope of progressing. So they'll be up for it, and you could think of the 3/1 as being very generous. But it's really up to Man United. If they start guns blazing it could be a stroll, but if they hold back, the technical skill of the Czech's could surprise them. Sparta have a lot of Champions League experience and will not go down without a fight. They had a nice win against their city rivals Slavia Prague at the weekend and they are currently top of the Czech League. The boy wonder Wayne Rooney plays and he's a 4/1 shot to score first, and you wouldn't put it past him, after his hat trick last time. One piece of magic from him and it could be curtains for the Czechs. All the markets are available at www.stanjames.com and we'll be betting In-Running right up until the 80th minute.