Are we in for another thrashing by the Gunners? Prediction for Slavia — Arsenal
On November 4, Slavia Prague will host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The English side have collected seven points and remain in the top eight, while the Czech club sit 32nd with just one point. The visitors are unbeaten in the current campaign, whereas the hosts will look to end their lengthy run of setbacks in European competition.
Slavia: 18 matches without a win in Europe and squad problems
Jindřich Trpišovský’s side made a poor start to their Champions League campaign. After defeats by Lens (2-3) and Sabah (0-2), the Prague club fought back from 0-2 down against Fenerbahçe (2-2) to earn their first point. However, Slavia’s winless run in UEFA competitions has now reached 18 matches. Their domestic campaign is going much better: the team lead the table by seven points and thrashed Jablonec (5-0) in their last match.
Slavia are dealing with squad problems ahead of the meeting with Arsenal. Ivan Schranz is still recovering from illness, while the involvement of Lukáš Provod and Anž Nguessan remains in doubt. In addition, the coaching staff will not count on Tomáš Chorý following a disciplinary dispute. The head-to-head record offers little encouragement either: Slavia have never beaten the London club in five meetings and lost 3-0 at home last season.
Arsenal: Premier League leaders and an impressive Champions League run
Mikel Arteta’s side continue to impress on the European stage. After victories over Napoli (1-0) and Lille (3-0), the Londoners drew with Bayern Munich (2-2). As a result, Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Champions League has reached 18 matches. Their form in the English league is just as strong: the 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield was their first in 14 years and extended their lead over the chasing pack to three points.
At the same time, the squad situation remains far from ideal. Bukayo Saka will miss the match through injury, while Eberechi Eze is a doubt. Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori have returned to fitness, however, and William Saliba has also travelled with the team to Prague. Max Dowman could be given an opportunity to make his mark. Despite a few absences, Arsenal’s defence remains one of the best in the competition, having conceded just two goals in three rounds.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Slavia are winless in their last 18 matches in UEFA competitions
- Arsenal are unbeaten in 18 consecutive Champions League matches, excluding penalty shootouts
- The Londoners have avoided defeat in all five of their previous matches against Slavia
Can Slavia end the Gunners’ winning run? Prediction for Slavia — Arsenal
Slavia have found good form in the domestic league, but they continue to struggle seriously on the European stage. Squad problems and an inconsistent defence make their task against one of the strongest clubs in the competition even more difficult.
Arsenal have shown they can perform confidently even in tough matches, as their victory over Liverpool demonstrated. Arteta’s team are superior in class and possess enough squad depth. Considering the previous head-to-head meetings and the teams’ current form, we expect a convincing away win with a clean sheet.
