Prediction: Slavia Prague vs Lille

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 71/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Slavia Prague has a mission impossible to complete for reaching the Champions League group stage after losing the first leg in France (2-0). However, despite being backed by over 19000 fans, the hosts must be at their best to achieve such a miracle. The game will be played at Fortuna Arena from Prague where the French side inflicted Slavia Prague’s one of the heaviest European defeats in modern times.

Slavia Prague

Regardless of being the dominant force domestically in recent times, Slavia Prague fell short in the last three seasons. The former Liga Fortuna Champions failed to regain the title after finishing runners-up to Viktoria Plzen and bitter rivals Sparta Prague. Although the previous season’s finale was not recommended for the faint of heart, the hosts could not reduce the 4-point they entered within the championship playoff. While Slavia Prague won the most points in the playoff, city rivals Sparta lifted the trophy.

However, manager Jindrich Trpisovsky strengthened his squad during the summer transfer window with several players added. The superior quality was evident in the pre-season games following an impressive output with four wins and a draw, hammering Rapid Wien (3-0) and Zilina (5-1) before the start of the new season.

Although The Stiched should open their Fortuna Liga title bid with a win, the Prague giants surprisingly were forced to settle for a goalless stalemate at Slovacko. With the pressure mounting early on Jindrich Trpisovsky, the experienced manager gave the best response after setting up the upcoming crucial Champions League double header with Royale Union, winning the next two rounds domestically without conceding.

Albeit the upcoming battle with the Belgian runner’s up was expected to be a tight contest, the Red&Whites brushed away all doubts after winning both games, home and away. Yet, key players in the home win against Teplice (2-1) didn’t return the desired outcome as Slavia Prague had a reality check in France against Lille and was forced to accept a 2-0 defeat.

Team News

Jindrich Trpisovsky can’t rely on three experienced players. Centre-back Thomas Vlceck will miss the remainder of the season after a knee surgery. Experienced goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek suffered a shoulder injury that forced him out until the end of the year. Furthermore, left-bach Ondrej Zmrzly rounds up Slavia Prague’s backline problems following a knock received during the pre-season friendlies.

Lille

Despite occupying second place for the most part in the last season, Lille was forced to settle for a 4th position finish at the end of the previous Ligue 1 campaign. Still, this performance granted visitors access to the Champions League qualifiers, a delayed build on the incredible Ligue 1 title won back in 2021.

However, The Mastiffs were subjected to a massive summer overhaul after the end of an era that culminated with the departure of boss Paulo Fonseca to AC Milan. Still, the owners made an excellent move by bringing former Lyon manager, Bruno Genesio, in charge of the first squad. The fans quickly accepted the former Lyon boss as they adhered to his attacking style of football.

Although the summer preparations were below expectations and raised some concerns in Lille’s camp, the start of the season cast all doubts away. The visitors’ first two official games were the most important of the season as Lille played an intense doubleheader against Fenerbahce in the Champions League qualifiers.

Yet, Bruno Genesio faced one of the best managers in the last two decades as the French emerged victorious in front of Jose Mourinho after his side knocked out the Turkish giants Fenerbahce in a two-game tie that needed extra time. Although the game was heading towards a penalty shootout finale, a 118-minute decisive blow by Jonathan David settled the contest.

Returning to domestic duties following the Fenerbahce triumph, Lille defeated Reims (2-0) before hosting Slavia Prague. Heading towards the Czech Republic capital on a high after last seen defeating Angers at home (2-0), the French side could reach the group stage following a two-year absence.

Team News

Former World Cup winner Samuel Umitit is a long-term absentee following a February knee surgery. Additionally, Bruno Genesio can’t rely on Nabil Bentaleb (heart problems) and Angel Gomes (head injury), leaving the French coach with fewer midfield options.

Key factors to consider

• Before losing to Lille, Slavia Prague won the previous six competitive games
• The hosts will benefit from extra days of rest after postponing their weekend game
• Lille won the last three competitive games with the same score (2-0)
• The visitors knocked out Fenerbahce in the previous round

Conclusion

Slavia Prague will line up an offensive formation attempting to score early, leaving empty spaces that Lille can explore. With nothing to lose following the first-leg defeat, we expect an open game with many empty spaces and opportunities for both sides to find the back of the net.

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 71/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet