Prediction: Slavia Prague vs Royale Union

Verdict: Slavia Prague win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who will open up their Champions League qualifying adventure on Wednesday evening, Slavia Prague will welcome Royale Union to the Fortuna Arena.

Slavia Prague

Starting with the hosts, suffering major frustration last season as they failed to reclaim their domestic crown thanks to a two-point deficit, Slavia Prague are desperate to go one-step further this time around. Nevertheless, signing off the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a real purple patch, Jindrich Trpisovsky’s men appear to have carried on from where they left off back in May. Picking up some perfect momentum last week as they snatched a 1-0 victory away at Liberec, the Czech heavyweights have collected seven points from their first three top-flight appearances and they will be excited by their recent defensive steel. In fact, continuing on from last season, Slavia Prague have conceded just a single strike in any of their previous eight competitive showdowns.

Team News

Enjoying what was a sensational summer while away with the Czech Republic at EURO 24, Ivan Schranz will certainly play a leading role on Wednesday evening. However, in what looks set to be a huge blow for Trpisovsky’s men in midweek, attacking talisman Vaclav Jurecka still remains at loggerheads with the club over a contract dispute and is not expected to feature here.

Reportedly attracting some Championship interest this summer, Norwegian international Conrad Wallem will start in the middle of the park. Appearing to have cemented his spot in Slavia’s number-one choice, 21-year-old Antonin Kinsky will start between the sticks.

Royale Union

As for the visitors, while Royale Union might have eventually fallen short last season in the race to claim a first domestic crown since 1935, Sebastien Pocognoli’s men should take plenty of positives away from an eye-catching campaign at the Jospeh Marien Stadium. Breezing their way to a silver medal finish among Belgium’s elite, Les Unionistes should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Crowned Super Cup champions on July 20th thanks to a 2-1 victory against historic rivals Club Brugge, Wednesday’s guests have not suffered a single competitive defeat since back on April 21st. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog when they travel to the Fortuna Arena in midweek, the former Genk coach will be relishing a European challenge on foreign soil.

Team News

In what will be a real blow for Royale Union on Wednesday evening, they will be unable to call upon the defensive duo of Ross Sykes and Christian Burgess due to respective injury issues. Likewise, making it clear that he wants to secure a summer move away from the Jospeh Marien Stadium, Loic Lapoussin will not travel in midweek.

Enjoying what was a sensational season last year and gaining a string of plaudits, 25-year-old Cameron Puertas will play a leading role here. Former Celta Vigo striker Dennis Eckert will spearhead Union’s charge in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• Wednesday’s showdown at the Fortuna Arena will be the first competitive meeting between Slavia Prague and Royale Union.
• Continuing on from last season, Slavia have conceded just a single goal in any of their previous eight competitive appearances.
• Royale Union have not suffered a single competitive defeat across any competition since back on April 21st.
• However, Wednesday’s guests have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight matchups across all competitions.
• Slavia have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of March.

Conclusion

With both camps knowing the importance of picking up a first-leg advantage on Wednesday evening, we could be set for a real chess match at the Fortuna Arena. Although Royale Union might have continued to impress continuing on from last season, the Belgium outfit are seeking some defensive steel. Mustering just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, Slavia will be confident of testing making an early statement here.

Verdict: Slavia Prague win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet