Slavia Prague welcome Lens to their home ground for this Champions League clash and the Czech side look sharp enough to grab at least a draw. The boys from Prague have been solid in their domestic league this season without dropping points yet and they always turn up with fire in their belly when playing on familiar turf. Lens on the other hand just won their super cup but that was under a new coach and the team still needs time to gel properly after losing their old manager to the English league.
Team Form
Slavia struggled badly last season in Europe with zero wins from eight games yet their squad has the quality to fight for a top twenty four spot this time around. Lens impressed in France last year but they now have a fresh boss in Dino Topmoller who already tasted defeat in the Champions League with Eintracht Frankfurt where they conceded twenty one goals in eight matches.
- Slavia have kept clean sheets in recent home fixtures against French sides
- Lens won the French super cup two goals to one against PSG
- Topmoller side conceded heavily in last season European campaign
Tactical Analysis
Slavia play with high intensity and press aggressively which can trouble any visiting team especially one adjusting to a new coach. Lens like to build from the back but their defense looked shaky in Europe last term and the change in management might affect their rhythm early on. Expect Slavia to dominate the midfield and create plenty of chances while Lens will look for quick counters but may struggle to break down the home defense.
Betting Proposal
After checking all the angles my types point to the home side not losing this one. The value lies with Slavia on the Asian handicap zero line and that is the smart play for punters looking for a solid return.
Overall the match promises good action with Slavia holding the edge at home and Lens still finding their feet in the competition under new leadership. Fans can expect an intense battle where set pieces and midfield battles decide the outcome.
