Slavia Praha vs Bodø / Glimt

Slavia Prague will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign off the back of a 3-1 win over Karviná at the weekend, with goals from Mojmír Chytil [19'] and Lukáš Vorlický [67', 90']. That domestic victory will raise the hopes of continuing the momentum on Wednesday when Bodø/Glimt comes visiting. The Czech champions will be eager to improve on a disappointing recent continental record, having won just one of their last ten UEFA matches [1W, 2D, 7L]. Slávisté’s home form in Europe has also been a concern, with no wins during last season’s Europa League league phase [2D, 2L]. This fixture marks only their second-ever meeting with Norwegian opposition — the previous being a 2-2 draw with Viking in the 2005/06 UEFA Cup. The Red and Whites have typically started well in the competition, though, avoiding defeat in the opening game of both their past UCL campaigns [1W, 1D]. Eyes would be on Tomáš Chory again, as he was their standout scorer in Europe last season, netting in all four of his home appearances. Defenders Jan Bořil and Igoh Ogbu are doubtful for this fixture. Meanwhile, manager Jindřich Trpišovský is expected to start weekend goal scorer Mojmír Chytil in attack against the visitors when he deploys the 3—4—2—1 formation.

Champions of their domestic league in four of the past five seasons, FK Bodø/Glimt reached the Europa League semi-finals last term — the first Norwegian side to achieve that feat. The Super Team's 6-2 aggregate win over Sturm Graz in the play-offs sealed their place among Europe’s elite. While their home form has powered their rise, away days remain a stumbling block, with no wins in their last seven European road trips [1D, 6L] since beating Braga in last year’s Europa League. The Super Team do, however, boast a 100% record against Czech opposition after eliminating Bohemians 1905 in the Conference League qualifying round last year. The absence of Kasper Høgh, joint-top scorer in Europe last season [7 goals], due to injury is a concern, forcing them to turn elsewhere and to the likes of Mathias Jørgensen—who has scored in two of his last three matches. Meanwhile, manager Kjetil Knutsen is expected to deploy a familiar 4—3—3 formation, having ex-Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge, Mathias Jørgensen and Andreas Helmersen in attack. A lengthy injury list, which keeps as many as six players out, could mar the visitors’ chances.