Derby preview: 1723 days unbeaten against Sparta
The Prague Derby is more than just an ordinary league game, not only for the fans of both teams, but for Slavia manager Jindřich Trpišovský too. “It is a legendary match, and everyone is looking for it. It’s the league highlight. For us it will be another game in a fast sequence, just days after we qualified for the Europa League knockout stage. We can fight for three points every single game, but this is something special,” Trpišovský says.
Slavia are more than 4 years and 8 months unbeaten against Sparta. Last time the red and whites lost the Prague Derby was in March 2016, 1-3 away at Letná. Since then, Slavia won 4 league games, 6 ended in a draw. In April 2019 Slavia also won the MOL Cup semi-final 3-0 against their city rivals.
This autumn the Derby will be the game between the first and the second team of the Czech league after long 12 years. Sparta are currently second just 2 points behind Slavia. The red and whites remain unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws, Sparta wan 7 games too, but lost 2 of their previous encounters.
“I think no one considers the positions in the league table before this game. The game is too specific to do so. It will be hard fight, but we are in a good mood. We must focus on ourselves, nothing else is important now,” adds Slavia manager.
Both teams played their UEFA Europa League games on Thursday, just 3 days before the Derby. The red and whites defeated Beer Sheva 3-0 home and secured the qualification for the Round of 32. Sparta lost 1-2 away to Lille and lost the chance of qualification being now 4 points behind AC Milan.
Form Guide
| Slavia | Sparta | |
| League Table | 1st | 2nd |
| Points | 23 | 21 |
| Goals Scored | 27 | 24 |
| Goals Conceded | 3 | 13 |
| Shots | 157 | 135 |
| Passing Accuracy | 83.0% | 82.2% |
| Average Possession | 62.3% | 60.0% |
| Last 5 games | WDWWW | LWWLL |
The 297th Prague Derby starts at Letná Stadium on Sunday, 6 December, at 6:30 pm. It will be broadcasted live on O2 TV Sport.
