HP Terbaru 2023 – Czech league leaders Slavia host Barca in the Champions League

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By Matt Smith

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This is the first meeting between the two sides since 2019, when Slavia pulled off an impressive 0-0 draw in the Champions League group-stage. 

Team news

Slavia Prague have enjoyed a lengthy break of late, not playing a competitive game in over a month. As a result, there are no fresh injury concerns for the home side, but they will be without both Matous Srb and Dominik Javorček.

Meanwhile, Barcelona will be without a host of players ahead of this game. Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain out, while Raphinha is in a race against time to be fit. Lamine Yamal is unavailable due to suspension after his yellow card last time out.

Slavia Prague dismal in front of goal

It’s been a disappointing European campaign for Slavia Prague so far. Back home they remain unbeaten after 19 games and top the Czech league by seven points but they are still searching for their first win in the Champions League. The Czech outfit have scored just twice all campaign, fewer than any other side.

It’s hardly a coincidence that Slavia are struggling to find the back of the net, struggling from a creativity standpoint. They’ve created just five big chances all campaign, once again, fewer than any other team in the competition.

Barcelona must sort it out defensively

Barcelona’s attacking options have bailed them out on a host of occasions in the Champions League this season. Defensively, Hansi Flick’s side haven’t been good enough, conceding 1.8 goals per game on average, ranking them 20th in the competition.

Barcelona will be desperate to finish in the top eight of the league phase of the Champions League, and a win against Slavia will give them a great chance. Thankfully for them, they might get away with their defensive frailties this week, with the home side struggling in front of goal.

Rashford’s time to shine

With Yamal unavailable for this one, Flick will be looking for someone to make the difference in the final third. Marcus Rashford has started on the bench in Barcelona’s last two Champions League matches, but he could be given the opportunity to impress in the XI this week.

The England international has provided six goals and assists in just four starts in the competition this term, and there’s a good chance he could be the difference for the away side heading into this game.

In fact, only three players have provided more goals and assists combined in the Champions League this campaign than Rashford, despite his lack of starts in the competition.

Prediction

Given Slavia Prague’s struggles in front of goal, it’s difficult to see them scoring against one of the best sides in Europe on their day. Barcelona have plenty of quality in the final third, so we’re going for a 3-0 victory to the Catalan giants.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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