Slavia Prague take on FC Astana in the Europa League next week, with a win for either side sending them through to the knockout phase of the competition. Just a point separates the two teams in the Group A standings, many are predicting a close encounter at Eden Park, with everything still to play for.
Europa League – Eden Arena, Prague – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5/2 at Skybet |
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Prague
FC AstanaMatch Preview
With the two teams having already played out an entertaining draw earlier on in the campaign, Slavia Prague and FC Astana face off in the Czech Republic next week, knowing that the winner of the tie will qualify for the knockout phase of the competition. The home side currently sit just a point clear of their rivals in the Group A standings, however it is still all to play for at Eden Park. With little separating the duo in the build up to the match, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Slavia Prague.
Slavia Prague Team News & Form
Slavia Prague come into the match off the back of a comfortable 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, their second win in Group A so far. Manager Jaroslav Šilhavý saw his team record a narrow draw against Jablonec in the Czech top-flight over the weekend, leaving them third in the standings. Former Zenit St. Petersburg man Danny is undoubtedly the star of the Slavia Prague team, despite his advanced years, while striker Muris Mešanović is likely to lead the line for the home side. The home side have scored just six goals from their five matches to date, however the fact that they have conceded just five means that they are the favourites to progress from Group A.
FC Astana Team News & Form
A late goal for Astana was not enough to secure anything from their encounter with Group leaders Villarreal last time around, meaning that they head to the Czech Republic knowing that they must defeat Slavia Prague. Manager Stanimir Stoilov has led his side to two wins form their five matches to date, both coming against struggling Maccabi Tel Aviv. Ghanaian striker Patrick Twumasi is likely to lead the line for the visitors, with the forward having scored over 20 times for the club since his arrival back in 2015.
Head to Head
The 1-1 draw between Slavia Prague and FC Astana earlier in the season was the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, meaning that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their performances so far in Europe this season and their status as the home team, it comes as little surprise that it is Slavia Prague who are the firm favourites for victory with the bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 11/8 with PaddyPower, while those looking to bet on a surprise away win for Astana can get odds of 2 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes in the Czech Republic, which is available at odds of 1/1 with Ladbrokes.