Union Saint-Gilloise vs Slavia Prague
UEFA Champions League, KO: 19:30 Aug 13, 2024, Stade Joseph Marien
UNION SAINT-GILLOISE have never graced the UEFA Champions League group stage and they will need to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Slavia Prague to keep their dream alive for another season.
The Belgians blew a two-goal first-leg lead in the third qualifying round when they last tried to reach the promised land a couple of seasons ago against Rangers.
Now they need to hope Slavia Prague do the same thing when the Czechs head to the Stade Joseph Marien to take on Sebastien Pocognoli's men.
Our man Gabriel thought Slavia Prague would win the first bet and cashed in as two of his recommended bets landed.
The Czechs have amassed a lot of European experience over the last decade, gracing the group stage in all three UEFA competitions and reaching the last eight in both the Europa and Conference Leagues.
That know-how should see them over the line against Union Saint-Gilloise but the Belgians will come out with all guns blazing in a bid to turn the tie around.
How the bookies view it: Slavia red-hot favourites to progress
After that impressive first-leg win, the Czech side are just 1/8 with Betfred to reach the play-off round but the odds increase to 2/1 if you back them to win on the night. Union Saint-Gilloise are 23/20 for a victory on home soil but 9/2 shots to go through. The draw at 90 minutes pays 13/5.
Head to head: Union out for revenge
Last week's clash in Prague was the first meeting of these sides so Union Saint-Gilloise will be out to level up the head-to-head.
Players to watch: Puertas can open the door
Midfielder Cameron Puertas was a major goal threat for Union Saint-Gilloise last season, netting 14 times. He's already off the mark in this campaign and looks the best option for a Belgian goal once the bookies price up that market.
Tomas Chory was the Slavia Prague hero last week as his double put them in command of the tie. The Czech international also netted 17 times last term so could be worth a punt for another goal in Belgium.
Probable line-ups
Mohammed Fuseini is suspended for Union Saint-Gilloise after being sent off in the first leg. Fellow forward Kevin Rodriguez could be a doubt to start after being subbed early in his last two outings, including at half-time in the weekend loss to Westerlo.
Union St Gilloise: Moris, Mac Allister, Machida, Leysen, Castro-Montes, Sadiki, Fuseini, Puertas, Teklab, Ait El Hadj, Eckert Ayensa
Slavia Prague: Kinsky, Holes, Ogbu, Boril, Masopust, Prebsl, Dorley, Diouf, Provod, Schranz, Chory
Anything else catch the eye?
Union Saint-Gilloise have no option but to go for it as they bid to overturn that two-goal deficit. But Slavia Prague have the players to hurt them on the break so we should see goals at both ends.
Combining BTTS and over 2.5 goals pays evens in a bet builder at Betfred and that looks decent value as it came up in the first leg. An early strike would either blow the tie open or kill it stone dead. Backing a goal inside the first half hour could pay off but the odds are poor at just 7/10.
If the Belgians can grab a goal first it could lead to a thrilling finale. But as they push for a second it would leave big gaps at the back so I like the look of Slavia Prague scoring the last goal at 13/10 with Bet365.
This UEFA Champions League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Slavia Prague will be played on Aug 13, 2024 and kick off at 19:30. Check below for our tipsters best Union Saint-Gilloise vs Slavia Prague prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
