Slavia Praha vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction: Hosts to come out on top

Slavia Praha welcome Union Saint-Gilloise to Fortuna Arena on Wednesday (18:00) for the first leg of their Champions League third round qualifier. Both teams were runners-up in their respective leagues in 2023/24, and both will be eager to be among the first batch of clubs in the new-look Champions League group stage.

Read on for my Slavia Praha vs Union Saint-Gilloise prediction, including match odds and team news.

Slavia Praha vs Union Saint-Gilloise Odds

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Slavia Praha are 5/6 to win this first leg, which gives them an implied probability of 54.5%. Union Saint-Gilloise are priced at 3/1, giving them a 25% chance of victory. The draw can be backed at 12/5 (29.4%).

Both teams to score is on offer at 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is 5/6.

Football Odds

Team News

Vaclav Jurecka has been unparalleled in terms of goals in the Czech First League over the past two campaigns, netting 19 times last term. However, due to a contract dispute, he is still to make an appearance for the hosts in 2024/25.

This shouldn't be too much of an issue as Euro 2024 joint-Golden Boot winner Ivan Schranz and last year's top scorer in the Europa League, Mojmir Chytil, are primed to take the leading role.

Norwegian midfielder Conrad Wallem has got Preston North End sniffing around for his services, but he should still feature in the squad for this one.

For the visitors, Cameron Puertas was the leading scorer for them in Europe last term, scoring three goals. He scored on Friday, so he will be fired up for Wednesday's clash.

English duo Ross Sykes and Christian Burgess are out injured, while Madagascar midfielder Loic Lapoussin is still being frozen out after the player handed in a transfer request.

Slavia Praha and both teams to score @ 11/4

I am expecting am entertaining tie from these two sides. They both had strong pre-seasons and they have each started their domestic league campaigns well. The hosts are unbeaten in their first three matches, picking up seven points, while Union Saint-Gilloise are also unbeaten, picking up four points from their first two outings.

With both having been forced to settle for second place last year, they will have a desire to win their respective league titles. And of course they will each want to make it to the Champions League play-off round and beyond in the new-look group stage.

The quality that each team in attack has sets up an exciting affair on Wednesday, and I think goals are in store at both ends of the pitch. But I am leaning towards Slavia Praha to take the advantage into next week's second leg because I think the home advantage will play its part.

Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6

With that in mind, I think over 2.5 goals would be a sensible selection for this match, too. It has landed in one of each of the two teams' league matches so far this term, with four goals being scored in Union Saint-Gilloise's last outing.

With the attacking quality that will be on display, with what's at stake, I think there will no shortage of goals in Prague. I think it will be a close encounter, and I see a 2-1 scoreline to the hosts as the most likely outcome, but I am confident that this first leg can provide three goals to tee up an enthralling second leg in Belgium next week.

Offers

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