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

Slavia Prague and RC Lens will meet in the first round of the Champions League league phase on Thursday, 10 September, with both managers facing important selection decisions before the match.

The tactical choices made by the two coaches could have a significant influence on the outcome, with Slavia Prague expected to rely on continuity and defensive solidity while RC Lens must cope with several players being unavailable.

Slavia Prague expected to keep faith with Markovic and Chory

Slavia Prague are likely to name Jakub Markovic in goal, reflecting the goalkeeper’s growing influence in recent weeks.

David Zima is expected to provide experience in defence, where he would help guide the younger Stepan Chaloupek and Mikulas Konecny. The Czech side are set to use a back three, with their midfield providing a balance of energy and creativity.

Tomas Chory is the likely choice to lead the attack after scoring a decisive double in the league in his most recent appearance. His form makes him the natural option to spearhead Slavia Prague’s forward line.

Ondrej Kolar is not eligible to play in the match, while Igoh Ogbu is also unavailable. Ogbu is suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The probable Slavia Prague XI is:

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

Titraoui absence adds to Lens injury list

RC Lens will be without Yacine Titraoui after he suffered a right hamstring injury during the match against Lorient.

Samson Baidoo, Maik Nawrocki, Jhoanner Chavez and Saud Abdulhamid are also being treated in the club’s medical department. Despite those absences, coach Dino Toppmoller is expected to field a competitive side against Slavia Prague.

Jean-Clair Todibo is set to start in defence, bringing authority and European experience to the back line. His presence should offer leadership as Lens attempt to deal with the demands of their opening Champions League league-phase fixture.

Michael Cuisance is expected to feature in midfield, where his creativity and technical quality in possession could be important in supplying the attack. The probable formation includes Ruben Aguilar, Amadou Haidara and Michał Skoras alongside him.

The probable RC Lens XI is:

Goalkeeper: Robin Risser

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

Midfielders: Ruben Aguilar, Michael Cuisance, Amadou Haidara, Michał Skoras

Attackers: Florian Thauvin, Thorgan Hazard, Abdallah Sima

The game will be Slavia Prague’s opening match of the Champions League league phase, with RC Lens providing the opposition in what is expected to be an evenly balanced contest.

Betting company 1xbet lists Slavia Prague at odds of 2.50 to win. A draw is priced at 3.60, while an RC Lens victory is rated at 2.65.