Slavia Prague and RC Lens prepare for Champions League clash with key absences

Slavia Prague and RC Lens meet in the opening round of the Champions League league phase on Thursday, 10 September, with the tactical decisions made by both managers likely to play a major role in the outcome. Slavia are expected to rely on continuity and defensive stability, while Lens will look to the experience of Jean-Clair Todibo and the creativity of Michael Cuisance as they prepare for the fixture.

Slavia Prague are set to make only limited changes to their expected line-up. Jakub Markovic is likely to continue in goal after making significant progress in recent weeks.

In defence, David Zima is expected to bring experience to a back three featuring the younger Stepan Chaloupek and Mikulas Konecny. The arrangement would give Slavia a balance of youth and seniority at the back as they face a strong European opponent.

Tomas Chory is the probable choice to lead the attack. His selection appears logical after he scored a decisive brace in the league recently. Slavia will, however, be without Ondrej Kolar, who is ineligible for the match. Igoh Ogbu is also unavailable and is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Slavia Prague probable line-up

Goalkeeper: Jakub Markovic

Defenders: Stepan Chaloupek, Mikulas Konecny, David Zima

Midfielders: Samuel Isife, Wiktor Nowak, Michal Sadilek, Oskar Kubiak

Attackers: Danijel Sturm, Lukas Provod, Tomas Chory

Lens will also have to manage a number of absences before travelling to face Slavia Prague. Yacine Titraoui will miss the game after suffering a right hamstring injury against Lorient.

Samson Baidoo, Maik Nawrocki, Jhoanner Chavez and Saud Abdulhamid are also unavailable because of injuries. Despite those setbacks, manager Dino Toppmoller is expected to have a competitive side at his disposal.

The inclusion of Jean-Clair Todibo in defence would give Lens greater authority and European experience. His role is expected to be particularly important in guiding the team through a demanding Champions League fixture.

In midfield, Michael Cuisance is likely to start, with his technical ability and creativity offering Lens an important route into the final third. His passing could help supply the attacking trio of Florian Thauvin, Thorgan Hazard and Abdallah Sima.

RC Lens probable line-up

Goalkeeper: Robin Risser

Defenders: Ismaelo Ganiou, Kyllian Antonio, Jean-Clair Todibo

Midfielders: Ruben Aguilar, Michael Cuisance, Amadou Haidara, Micha? Skoras

Attackers: Florian Thauvin, Thorgan Hazard, Abdallah Sima

The match will be Slavia Prague’s first fixture of the Champions League league phase, with RC Lens providing the opposition. Both teams are expected to approach the contest with ambitions of making a positive start to their European campaign.

Betting company 1xBet lists Slavia Prague as slight favourites, offering odds of 2.50 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.60, while an RC Lens victory is available at 2.65. The company also promotes the option to download 1xBet.