The big picture

Sparta Prague come in 22nd on the ladder with 4 points; AZ Alkmaar are 14th on 6. AZ Alkmaar are the side higher up the table.

Sparta Prague are 1–2–1 in UEFA Europa League 2026-27, averaging 1.5 goals for and 1.5 against.

AZ Alkmaar are 2–2 in UEFA Europa League 2026-27, averaging 1.8 goals for and 1 against.

Form

Sparta Prague have won one of their last five and most recently lost to AFC Bournemouth 1–3.

AZ Alkmaar have won one of their last five and most recently lost to Juventus 1–2.

AZ Alkmaar have lost their last three.

Head to head

We have no previous meeting between these two on record, so this one is a genuine first look.

Players to watch

For Sparta Prague, watch Tobias Guddal (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27) and John Mercado (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27).

For AZ Alkmaar, watch Ro-Zangelo Daal (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27) and Mexx Meerdink (0.4 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

At Generali Arena

Sparta Prague have won 7 of their last 20 at Generali Arena.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder, AZ Alkmaar have the edge.