Brondby will host Sparta Prague on Thursday, with three points on the line on the opening day of the UEFA Europa League campaign.The home side dropped to Europe's second-tier competition after a 4-2 aggregate defeat to RB Salzburg in the playoff stage of the UEFA Champions League. Sparta Prague, on the other hand, were eliminated by Monaco after a 5-1 aggregate defeat.Brondby come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Silkeborg in the Danish SuperLiga on Friday, as Mark Brink and Simon Hedlund scored in the first half to ensure a share of spoils.✍️ REPORT | We lost 2-3 to Plzeň. Reda more about the game. #acsparta➡️ https://t.co/cMlZbsedsI pic.twitter.com/960SYpeCUC— AC Sparta Prague (@ACSparta_EN) September 11, 2021Sparta Prague suffered a 3-2 away defeat to rivals Victoria Plzen in the Czech Republic 1. Liga on Saturday.The two sides have been drawn alongside Lyon and Rangers in Group A, which is one of the most balanced and unpredictable groups in the competition this season.Brondby vs Sparta Prague Head-to-HeadThis will be the first continental meeting between the two sides and a positive start could be essential to their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds.The hosts have been in poor form and have just one win from their ten competitive fixtures this season. Sparta Prague have two wins from their last five matches in all competitions.Brondby form guide (all competitions): D-W-L-D-LSparta Prague form guide (all competitions): L-W-W-D-LBrondby vs Sparta Prague Team NewsBrondbyRasmus Wikstrom (shoulder), Bias Riveros (knee) and Peter Bjur (pelvis) have all been sidelined due to fitness issues.Injuries: Radmus Wikstrom, Bias Riveros, Peter BjurSuspension: None View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brøndby IF (@brondbyif_official)Sparta PragueLadislav Krejci, Casper Hojer, Lukas Julis and Andreas Vindheim will all miss the trip to Denmark through injury.Injuries: Ladislav Krejci, Casper Hojer, Lukas Julis, Andreas VindheimSuspension: NoneBrondby vs Sparta Prague Predicted XIBrondby Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mads Hermansen (GK); Kevin Mensah, Kevin Tshiembe, Andreas Maxso, Andreas Bruus; Mathias Greve, Morten Frendrup, Josip Radosevic, Christian Cappis; Simon Hedlund, Mikael UhreSparta Prague Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Florin Nita (GK); David Hancko, Filip Panak, Lukas Stetina, Tomas Wiesner; Michal Sacek, David Pavelka; Jakub Pesak, Filip Soucek, David Karlsson; Adam HlozekBrondby vs Sparta Prague PredictionSparta Prague have more pedigree on the continental stage and Brondby's poor run of form will give the visitors extra motivation to go all out for the win.Both sides have what it takes to nick this one, but we are backing the Czech side to secure a narrow victory with goals at both ends.Prediction: Brondby 1-2 Sparta Prague