Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking an immediate response when they turn their attention back to Champions League action on Wednesday night, Barcelona will travel to Slavia Prague.
Slavia Prague
Starting with the hosts, heading into the festive break holding a commanding seven-point buffer at the top of the First League table and appearing to defend their domestic crown at a canter this season, Slavia Prague have embarked on yet another Czech romp. However, officially getting the New Year underway with a monumental challenge at the Fortuna Arena, Jindrich Trpisovsky’s men have drastically failed to find their feet on the European stage. Last seen in Champions League action getting blown away at a struggling Tottenham as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming in north London, Slavia are still waiting to put a maiden Champions League victory on the board. Likewise, registering just three points from any of their six European showdowns this season, they have also failed to find the net in all of their last five straight showdowns on the continent.
Slavia Prague Team News
Securing a bronze medal finish with Nigeria at the AFCON on Saturday, former Lillestrom defender Igoh Ogbu should return to Slavia’s squad on Wednesday night. However, all still dealing with respective knee injuries, the trio of Dominik Javorcek, Filip Horsky and Czech Republic international Petr Sevcik in midweek.
Bagging a pair of domestic strikes against Jablonec prior to the festive break and registering seven goals in his final six matchups across all competitions, Tomas Chory should shoulder plenty of Slavia’s attacking threat. Making a permanent switch from Torino last year, David Zima will start at left-back.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, watching their sensational purple patch come to a shock end over the weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 loss away at Real Sociedad, Barcelona are desperately searching for an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still leading the chase at the top of the La Liga standings and regarded as a standout contender to defend their domestic crown in 2026, Hansi Flick’s men have still won each of their other 11 appearances across all competitions. Crowned Super Cup champions over in Saudi Arabia last week as they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against arch-rivals Real Madrid, the Spanish icons should be excited to turn their attention back to Champions League duties on Wednesday night. Despite showing some inconsistencies on the continent this season, Barca know that they could official punch their knockout stage ticket here.
Barcelona Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Barcelona will be unable to call upon the duo of Gavi and ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen. However, despite missing out against Real Sociedad over the weekend, Brazilian superstar Raphinha is expected to feature here.
Bagging a consolation strike in the Basque County on Sunday and continuing to shine since completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester United over the summer, England international Marcus Rashford could be handed a full recall. Recording five direct goal contributions in as many Champions League appearances this season (two goals, three assists), Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in attack.
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona travelled to Prague for a Champions League showdown back in October 2019, Flick’s side claimed a 2-1 victory.
- Despite falling to a shock 2-1 loss away at Real Sociedad over the weekend, Barca have won each of their other 11 appearances across all competitions.
- Slavia Prague have failed to win any of their six European appearances this season (three draws, three defeats).
- 18-year-old sensational Lamine Yamal has registered five direct goal contributions in as many Champions League appearances this season (two goals, three assists).
- Slavia have failed to register a single strike in any of their previous five consecutive Champions League showdowns.
Conclusion
Watching their sensational 11-match winning run come to an abrupt end away at Real Sociedad over the weekend, Barcelona will know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Nevertheless, knowing that they could punch their Champions League knockout stage ticket this season, the Spanish icons are rightfully installed as a landslide contender in midweek. Securing a 2-1 victory when they last travelled to the Fortuna Arena back in 2019, we are expecting Barca to claim a speedy European boost on Wednesday night.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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