Slavia Prague vs Barcelona: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Barcelona aims to enhance its position in the Champions League standings with a critical match against Slavia Prague. Currently, Barcelona sits in 15th place, trailing eighth-place Atletico Madrid by just two points. Conversely, Slavia Prague is struggling significantly, positioned at 33rd in the table without any wins in the league phase.
Match Preview
Success in this context is vital for both teams. Slavia Prague has not competed in over a month, with their last non-friendly match on December 13. In that encounter, they secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Jablonec. Their subsequent friendlies against Basel, Karlsruher, and Brann do not substitute for competitive match experience.
Jindrich Trpisovsky’s team has registered zero wins, three draws, and three losses during the group stage, leaving them with just three points. After a recent loss to Tottenham Hotspur, where they fell 3-0, Slavia Prague faces immense pressure to perform at home. Historically, they have struggled against Spanish teams, winning only two of their sixteen matchups while also suffering a defeat to Barcelona in their previous encounter during the 2019-20 Champions League.
- Slavia Prague Champions League Record: 0 Wins, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
- Recent Competitive Performance: Last match win on December 13 (4-3 vs. Jablonec)
- Historical Matchup: 2 wins in 16 matches against Spanish teams
Barcelona’s Current Form
Barcelona has a record of three wins, one draw, and two losses in the current Champions League season, amassing ten points. Their recent performance includes a disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad, reducing their La Liga lead to just one point against Real Madrid.
Despite being unbeaten in their last eight matches against Czech teams, Barcelona struggles on away grounds, with only one win in the last five away Champions League games. Defensive frailities could jeopardize their European aspirations, given their strong attacking lineup.
- Barcelona Current Champions League Record: 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses
- Recent League Performance: Loss to Real Sociedad, January 2024
- Historical Performance: 7 wins in last 8 matches vs. Czech teams
Team News
Slavia Prague reports no new injuries ahead of facing Barcelona. Their main players, including standout Lukas Provod, who has scored five goals and provided ten assists, are expected to participate. Mojmir Chytil, with eight goals this season, is also set to feature.
However, Barcelona will miss Lamine Yamal due to suspension, and both Gavi and Andreas Christensen are sidelined with knee injuries. Raphinha’s status remains uncertain following a thigh issue. New tactics may involve Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres in the starting lineup, potentially replacing Lewandowski.
Projected Lineups
Here’s an overview of the potential starting teams:
| Slavia Prague | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Stanek | J Garcia |
| Holes | Kounde |
| Chaloupek | Cubarsi |
| Ogbu | E Garcia |
| Zima | Balde |
| Doudera | Pedri |
| Moses | De Jong |
| Provod | Fermin |
| Sadilek | Raphinha |
| Sanyang | Rashford |
| Chytil | F Torres |
This match is pivotal for Barcelona’s ambitions to qualify for the top eight. The team needs a solid performance to regain momentum and confidence ahead of their final league stage match on January 28 against Copenhagen. While Slavia Prague seeks to turn its luck around, Barcelona is poised for a victory, potentially closing the gap on a playoffs spot.
