Jindřich Trpišovský Slavia Prague Vs Brian Priske Sparta Prague – Tactical Preview

One of Europes most fiercely contested rivalries takes a new chapter this weekend, with Slavia Prague hosting city rivals Sparta Prague on Sunday.

These clubs are the two most successful in their nations history, with a staggering combined total of 54 league titles between them.

Sparta Prague are currently under the tutelage of 46-year-old Brian Priske, formerly of Danish Superliga side Midtjylland, where he led his team to the 2019/20 championship crown and, most recently before moving to the Czech Republic last summer, Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp who he led to a fourth-place finish in 2021/22.

They are the most successful side in their nations history, with 34 titles to their name.

This includes last seasons title.

However, Slavia Prague have enjoyed more success over the last decade, winning four to Spartas two in that time.

Their 20 league titles place them second in Czechias history books for championship glory.

Jindřich Trpišovský has been in charge at Slavia since 2017, winning three Czech first-division crowns in that time.

The 47-year-old has spearheaded a successful era in the clubs history, stamping his tactical identity on the club and edging them closer in the all-time ladder to arch nemesis Sparta.

This season, theres very little to separate the two Czech giants with eight games played; both sit on 22 points, having won seven and drawn one.

Both enter Sundays Prague Derby clash undefeated in the league.

The stage is set for an epic encounter that could result in a significant psychological advantage for the winning side in this battle between the countrys two main footballing pillars.

Our tactical analysis will examine key elements of the two UEFA Europa League competitors respective strategies and tactics as we preview Sundays Czech First Division game.

Our analysis will highlight how both teams approach the game in and out of possession, establishing where we determine this fixture can be won and lost.

Slavia Prague Tactics in possession

Jindřich Trpišovskýs side have kept the highest average possession percentage (63.1%) in Czechias top flight this season.

Despite this, Slavia are prone to playing the ball long and going direct much more than their city rivals, Sparta.

Slavia are very comfortable playing in transition, relying on their attackers runs and quick-thinking progressive passers to generate awkward situations for the opponents defence to deal with as they scramble to recover and settle in their defensive shape.

Tomáš Holeš has acted as captain on occasion this season, with Jan Boril not being available for several games at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Holeš has typically played in the centre of Slavias back three and above; we see how hes sprayed the ball around the pitch from that position, launching his side into the final third with great regularity, aiming to quickly generate goalscoring opportunities by playing his side in behind the oppositions backline.

Of all players from both sides in question, Holeš has by far made the most long passes this term.

Hes total