**Sparta Praha arrive in Yerevan as heavy European favorites, but form is brittle on both sides** — this is a Europa League *qualifier* where history slightly favors the Czech outfit, yet neither team has looked convincing lately. 🔥

**FC Ararat-Armenia** mixed their recent slate with a draw and loss to Craiova sandwiching a thumping from Celje. **AC Sparta Praha** have been all over the map: thrashing Nordsjælland 5-1 but also losing 0-3 to Lyon and dropping games at home. Both squads are walking a tightrope.

Key storylines:

- **Sparta's away-day curse** haunts them again — they've lost their last two road fixtures heavily, and the Yerevan atmosphere won't feel like Prague
- **Ararat's home turf** is their ace; they're 2-0-1 at the Vazgen Sargsyan when form settles
- **Head-to-head edge to Sparta** after two straight wins, but neither team has found rhythm to build on

Expected lineups:

- **FC Ararat-Armenia**: A. Nersesyan, B. Pereira, B. Wilson, L. F. H. Martins, H. Oliveira, M. Carlier, A. L. Tera, K. Muradyan
- **AC Sparta Praha**: J. Surovčík, J. Zelený, A. Sevinsky, U. Aririerisim, M. Suchomel, S. Mannsverk, R. Macek, A. Irving

Prediction:

**1-1 draw.** Neither side has the consistency to dominate; expect a tense, cagey first leg that leaves everything open for Prague. 📍