Sparta Prague vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction 19.03.2026 | UEFA Conference League

A difficult run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions, including a quarter-final elimination from the MOL Cup at the hands of Mlada Boleslav, was brought to an emphatic end over the weekend as Sparta Prague rediscovered their rhythm with a commanding 5-2 victory against Slovacko.

That dominant weekend display arrived at the perfect moment for the Czech giants, who will now lean heavily on their formidable home record against Dutch side, having suffered just one defeat in 19 matches on their own turf this season.

From an attacking standpoint, the Maroons have been operating with remarkable efficiency in front of their supporters, delivering a series of high-scoring performances, while netting at least twice in eight consecutive home fixtures, a trend that provides a valuable psychological cushion ahead of their European comeback ambitions.

However, head coach Brian Priske faces significant selection concerns, with as many as 12 players unavailable for Thursday’s clash, including first-choice goalkeeper Peter Vindahl, midfielder Patrik Vydra, and left-sided option Matej Rynes.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar make the trip to the Czech capital holding a slender yet valuable 2-1 advantage from the first leg, with their clinical showing at the AFAS Stadion leaving them within touching distance of a second European quarter-final appearance in three seasons.

Despite having the tie firmly in their own hands, the Cheese Farmers have every reason to approach the return leg with caution, as a run of three consecutive away defeats across all competitions has dented their confidence, while they have also returned empty-handed from three of their four European trips this term, most recently suffering a surprise 1-0 loss to FC Noah.

Of greater concern is their lack of cutting edge on the road, with AZ struggling to make a consistent impact in the final third, having found the net just once across their last three away outings, while failing to score more than twice in five of their previous six matches on hostile territory.

In contrast, interim boss Lee-Roy Echteld has relatively few injury concerns to contend with, as only regular defensive options Mateo Chavez and Seiya Maikuma are expected to miss out, a vulnerability that Sparta Prague will be eager to exploit.