Slavia Prague vs Bodø/Glimt
Slavia Prague return to the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2019-20 after winning the Czech title. They have also started the domestic season in flying form (20 points from 8 games). Bodø/Glimt are the 2024 Norwegian champions, making their CL debut after a dominant 6–2 aggregate win over Sturm Graz in the qualifying. This is the first-ever CL group meeting between a Czech and Norwegian club. Slavia will be confident at home and play on the front foot, whereas Bodø/Glimt – who are missing key forwards – may be more cautious.
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Players to Watch: Lukas Provod (Slavia) has chipped in with goals this season and will drive attacks from midfield. Striker Lukas Vorlický (2 goals in 3 games) and midfielder Christos Zafeiris are also dangerous. For Bodø/Glimt, Jens Petter Hauge (8 goals this term) will step up if top-scorer Kasper Høgh (26 goals last year) is out. Their creative midfielder, Patrick Berg, should be noted.
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Team News: Slavia will be without defenders Dominik Javorček and winger Emmanuel Fully through; otherwise, they are at full strength. Bodø/Glimt are missing defender Brede Moe and winger Fredrik Bjørkan; crucially, top-scorer Kasper Høgh and key forward Ulrik Saltnes are ruled out or doubtful.
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Probable Lineups: Slavia (likely 4-3-3): Staněk; Chaloupek, Zima, Holes, Hashioka; Dorley, Provod, Zmrzlý; Vorlický, Chytil, Zafeiris. Bodø/Glimt (likely 4-3-3): Haikin; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Gundersen, Riisnæs; Evjen, Berg, Auklend; Jørgensen, Helmesen, Hauge.
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Prediction: Slavia Prague 1–1 Bodø/Glimt. Both teams have attacking quality, and with Bodø missing key scorers, it’s a tight contest; a draw is most likely
