Zlin take on Lokomotiv Moscow in the Europa League next week, with the visiting team requiring just a point in order to confirm their place in the knockout phase of the competition. Despite the Czech hosts having nothing more than pride to play for, they will still be going all out for victory at the Letna Stadion next week.
Europa League – Letna Stadion, Zlin – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
FC Fastav ZlínBest Odd of: 5 at William Hill |
Draw Best Odd of: 27/10 at Unibet |
Lokomotiv MoscowBest Odd of: 8/13 at William Hill |
Match Preview
Czech side Zlin host Lokomotiv Moscow at the Letna Stadion next week, with the Europa League Group F rivals both likely to be going all out for victory. The home side have already been eliminated from the competition after failing to win any of their five matches to date, while their Russian opponents can confirm their place in the knockout phase by earning at least a point in the Czech Republic. With a tight affair expected on Thursday next week, the betting markets are too close to call ahead of kick-off. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Zlin Team News & Form
Zlin come into this match off the back of a 2-1 win over Slovacko in the Czech top-flight, however they still sit only in 9th position in the standings, a massive 24 points behind the league leaders. Zlin suffered a narrow defeat against Group F leaders FC Sheriff last time around, with manager Bohumil Páník potentially looking to rest some of this bigger names for their match with clash with Lokomotiv Moscow next week. Despite this, the likes of Ibrahim Traore, Dame Diop and Petr Jiracek should still help to make up a strong looking starting eleven for the home side. A lack of goals has severely impacted Zlin in Europe, with the Czech’s having scored just once in their five matches to date.
Lokomotiv Moscow Team News & Form
Lokomotiv Moscow defeated SKA Khabarovsk in the Russian Premier League over the weekend, leaving them six point clear at the top of the table. Manager Yuri Semin has seen his players perform well throughout the campaign to date, with just one defeat in Group F of the Europa League meaning that they are just a point away from making it through to the next stage. Brazilian forward Ari, Peru international Jefferson Farfan and Manuel Fernandes are among the star players for the visitors, who have conceded just four goals throughout their European campaign this season.
Head to Head
Lokomotiv Moscow’s 3-0 win over Zlin in Russia earlier on 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
Despite being the home team next week, their performances so far this season mean that Zlin are the underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side for the win for can take advantage of odds of 5 from William Hill, while Lokomotiv Moscow are priced at 8/13 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score during the 90 minutes and Lokomotiv Moscow to win, which is available at odds of 10/3 with Ladbrokes.