SAINTS take on a Sparta Prague side tonight depleted by injuries, but who are now taking the Europa League “very seriously” after changing manager.

With a new boss at the helm, Sparta are “hungrier and more passionate” than ever.

Since Saints comfortably defeated Sparta 3-0 at St Mary’s in September in their opening Group K game, the Czech giants have got rid of manager Zdenek Scasny and have placed David Holoubek in temporary charge.

They still remain a disappointing fifth in the Czech top-flight, seven points behind leaders Viktoria Plzen, but lead Saints' Europa League group by two points.

Here, Jan Vacek, a journalist covering Sparta for Czech Republic newspaper Denik Sport, has given the Daily Echo the lowdown on Sparta ahead of the penultimate group game.

What can we expect from Sparta’s team selection?

Vacek: "Sparta’s squad has been depleted by injuries. They, right now, are missing nine key players. They are central midfielders Martin Frydek, former Arsenal man Tomas Rosicky, Lukas Vacha and Michal Sacek, wingers Josef Sural and Ales Cermak and forward Vaclav Kadlec.

"There was another huge blow yesterday, with key players David Lafata (striker) and Mario Holek (central defender/midfielder) battling illness and, from what I've been told, they are out of the game.

"It means Sparta have to start inexperienced young players.

"Almost every single of those key players would been in the starting line up, if healthy, so Sparta have to start practically all of their remaining fit players.

"They will have to put talented youngsters from the under-19s in as substitutes."

How seriously are Sparta taking the Europa League now?

Vacek: "It is very important. It’s a top priority for the club right now to go through the group stages.

"Sparta are struggling in the league, sitting in fifth place, seven points away from first place.

"It’s not a good season so far for the biggest club in the Czech Republic, so there’s extra pressure to get through to the Europa League knockout stages.

"Sparta take this competition very seriously."

What has changed since Sparta came to St Mary’s and how will they be different to play against?

Vacek: "Under interim coach David Holoubek, Sparta are better in defence and play more responsibly.

"Of course, they are missing their top quality with all the injured players out, but they will be more devoted, more hungry, more passionate than the first game.

"Southampton are obviously favourites, but Sparta will leave everything on the pitch.

"It will be a big difference from the first game, because former coach Zdenek Scasny had some issues in the locker room."