Verdict: Barcelona win & Beneath 4.5 targets
Greatest Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking for a direct response after they flip their consideration again to Champions League motion on Wednesday evening, Barcelona will journey to Slavia Prague.
Slavia Prague
Beginning with the hosts, heading into the festive break holding a commanding seven-point buffer on the high of the First League desk and showing to defend their home crown at a canter this season, Slavia Prague have launched into one more Czech romp. Nevertheless, formally getting the New 12 months underway with a monumental problem on the Fortuna Enviornment, Jindrich Trpisovsky’s males have drastically failed to search out their ft on the European stage. Final seen in Champions League motion getting blown away at a struggling Tottenham as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming in north London, Slavia are nonetheless ready to place a maiden Champions League victory on the board. Likewise, registering simply three factors from any of their six European showdowns this season, they’ve additionally failed to search out the web in all of their final 5 straight showdowns on the continent.
Slavia Prague Workforce Information
Securing a bronze medal end with Nigeria on the AFCON on Saturday, former Lillestrom defender Igoh Ogbu ought to return to Slavia’s squad on Wednesday evening. Nevertheless, all nonetheless coping with respective knee accidents, the trio of Dominik Javorcek, Filip Horsky and Czech Republic worldwide Petr Sevcik in midweek.
Bagging a pair of home strikes towards Jablonec previous to the festive break and registering seven targets in his last six matchups throughout all competitions, Tomas Chory ought to shoulder loads of Slavia’s attacking menace. Making a everlasting swap from Torino final yr, David Zima will begin at left-back.
Barcelona
As for the guests, watching their sensational purple patch come to a shock finish over the weekend as they slumped to a 2-1 loss away at Actual Sociedad, Barcelona are desperately looking for a direct response right here. However, nonetheless main the chase on the high of the La Liga standings and thought to be a standout contender to defend their home crown in 206, Hansi Flick’s males have nonetheless gained every of their different 11 appearances throughout all competitions. Topped Tremendous Cup champions over in Saudi Arabia final week as they secured an exhilarating 3-2 victory towards arch-rivals Actual Madrid, the Spanish icons ought to be excited to show their consideration again to Champions League duties on Wednesday evening. Regardless of exhibiting some inconsistencies on the continent this season, Barca know that they may official punch their knockout stage ticket right here.
Barcelona Workforce Information
Each nonetheless coping with respective knee accidents, Barcelona shall be unable to name upon the duo of Gavi and ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen. Nevertheless, regardless of lacking out towards Actual Sociedad over the weekend, Brazilian celebrity Raphinha is anticipated to function right here.
Bagging a comfort strike within the Basque County on Sunday and persevering with to shine since finishing a season-long mortgage swap from Manchester United over the summer time, England worldwide Marcus Rashford may very well be handed a full recall. Recording 5 direct objective contributions in as many Champions League appearances this season (two targets, three assists), Lamine Yamal will play a number one position in assault.
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona Key Elements to Take into account
- When Barcelona travelled to Prague for a Champions League showdown again in October 2019, Flick’s facet claimed a 2-1 victory.
- Regardless of falling to a shock 2-1 loss away at Actual Sociedad over the weekend, Barca have gained every of their different 11 appearances throughout all competitions.
- Slavia Prague have didn’t win any of their six European appearances this season (three attracts, three defeats).
- 18-year-old sensational Lamine Yamal has registered 5 direct objective contributions in as many Champions League appearances this season (two targets, three assists).
- Slavia have didn’t register a single strike in any of their earlier 5 consecutive Champions League showdowns.
Conclusion
Watching their sensational 11-match successful run come to an abrupt finish away at Actual Sociedad over the weekend, Barcelona will know the significance of claiming a direct response right here. However, understanding that they may punch their Champions League knockout stage ticket this season, the Spanish icons are rightfully put in as a landslide contender in midweek. Securing a 2-1 victory after they final travelled to the Fortuna Enviornment again in 2019, we predict Barca to assert a speedy European increase on Wednesday evening.
Verdict: Barcelona win & Beneath 4.5 targets
Greatest Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
