This Will Be the First Meeting Between These Two Sides
As the UEFA Europa League continues to captivate football fans around the globe, round three has brought an intriguing match-up to the forefront. On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Spanish side Athletic Club will host Slavia Prague at the iconic San Mamés stadium. With both teams experiencing an unbeaten start in the competition, this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle for supremacy.
Athletic Club, under the stewardship of Ernesto Valverde, currently sits in fifth place in LaLiga. Their performance in the UEFA Europa League has been commendable, having amassed four points from their opening two matches—drawing 1-1 against AS Roma and securing an authoritative 2-0 victory against AZ Alkmaar. This momentum will certainly bolster their confidence as they step onto their home ground to face their Czech opposition.
On the other hand, Slavia Prague is riding high, currently perched atop the Czech league standings. Much like their Spanish counterparts, the Czech outfit has also gathered four points from their two opening games. Slavia commenced their group campaign with a solid 2-0 win against Ludogorets and followed it up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ajax. This context sets the stage for what could be an exhilarating clash between two unbeaten teams.
Kick-Off Details
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM UK / 12:30 AM IST (October 25, 2024)
Location: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain
Current Form
Athletic Club (last five matches): D-D-W-L-W
Slavia Prague (last five matches): W-W-D-W-W
Players to Watch
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
Nico Williams is fast becoming one of Spain’s brightest prospects. His performances have been nothing short of sensational over the past year, particularly his exploits during Euro 2024. This season, he continues to dazzle, utilizing his blistering pace and technical prowess to terrorize opposing defenses. Expect Williams to play a pivotal role in Athletic Club’s attacking strategy as they look to break through Slavia Prague’s structured backline.
Malick Diouf (Slavia Prague)
At just 19 years old, Malick Diouf has emerged as a standout performer for Slavia Prague. With five goals and three assists in ten league outings, Diouf’s versatility as a pacey winger allows him to threaten from various attacking positions. His form will be crucial for Slavia as they aim to create scoring chances against a formidable Athletic Club side.
Match Facts
- Athletic Club secured a 4-1 win against Espanyol in their last match.
- Slavia Prague registered a 2-1 win over Jablonec in their last game.
- This will be the first meeting between these two teams in competitive football.
Betting Tips and Odds
- Tip 1: Nico Williams to score a goal anytime – 5/2 with Sky Bet.
- Tip 2: Athletic Club to win this game – 3/4 with Bet365.
- Tip 3: Match to end with under 3.5 goals – 1/3 with William Hill.
Injury and Team News
Athletic Club will be without the services of goalkeeper Unai Simon. Additionally, Mikel Vesga and Oihan Sancet are doubts for the match. On the visiting side, several players are ruled out due to injuries, including Igoh Ogbu, Ivan Schranz, Jindrich Stanek, Lukas Vorlicky, and Tomas Vlcek. Oscar Dorley is also suspended, further complicating matters for Slavia Prague.
Head to Head
This match marks the inaugural meeting between Athletic Club and Slavia Prague in competitive fixtures, setting a historical moment for both clubs.
Predicted Lineups
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
Agirrezabala (GK); de Marcos, Vivian, Núñez, Berchiche; Prados, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Slavia Prague (3-4-3)
Kinsky (GK); Holes, Zima, Boril; Prebsl, Zafeiris, Michez, Diouf; Lingr, Chory, Provod
Match Prediction
With Athletic Club boasting one of the fiercest attacks in the Europa League and Slavia Prague’s reputation for being hard to break down, the outcome appears set for a tightly contested affair. Athletic Club may clinch a narrow victory in this inaugural meeting.
Prediction: Athletic Club 1-0 Slavia Prague
Telecast Information
India: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
UK: TNT Sports
US: fuboTV, Paramount+
Nigeria: DStv Now
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