Chrudim vs Sparta Praha II - FNL

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Chrudim and Sparta Praha II together at CFIG Arena on May 2, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the FNL occasion. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

There is plenty riding on this FNL encounter for Chrudim and Sparta Praha II alike, and neither will want to leave CFIG Arena empty-handed. Chrudim's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. The fact that Oxford ultimately fell five points short of the total needed to stay in the Championship shows that it would have required top-half - almost play-off - form during the second half of the season.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Chrudim will look to impose their style on home soil, while Sparta Praha II are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. They have no Champions League football to look forward to.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the FNL table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.