Slovan Liberec
- Slovan Liberec currently sit 6th in the Czech 1. Liga with 31 points from 19 matches, while Zlín are 9th with 26 points, which makes Sunday’s game a top-half six-pointer.
- FC Slovan’s narrow 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formations are designed to press the ball in wide areas and when possession is won in advanced positions, they can hurt opponents with a lightning-quick transition.
- Radoslav Kováč’s team are usually very tough to break down because of their compactness and balance with the veteran Tomáš Koubek at goal the perfect organiser at the back.
- They are hard to beat for these reasons and have been difficult to beat recently, with a run of competitive draws and a 1-0 league win against Sigma Olomouc and a 3-2 win over CF Montréal in Marbella at their training camp during the winter break.
- The latter was a good tune-up for the upcoming season as Kováč was able to sharpen the attack, which will be spearheaded by Raimonds Krollis, the team’s main goal threat.
- Midfielder Michal Hlavatý has provided goals in the autumn campaign and has the ability to make things happen.
FC Trinity Zlín
- Bronislav Červenka’s Trinity Zlín are capable of being very disciplined in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, usually setting up in a low-to-medium block before countering with direct runs on goal or flank attacks.
- They can be a bit unpredictable, but Cletus Nombil and Jakub Černín provide balance and stability in the middle of the park and at the heart of the defence, respectively.
- Their late-autumn form was erratic, with three league losses in a row before a resounding 5-0 win over Sigma Olomouc in early December, indicating they can score in flurries.
- FC Trinity Zlín have more of a target man up top in Tomáš Poznar, who can hold up the ball and play the hold-up role.
- Michal Cupák is their midfield threat, capable of making the runs and providing four goals, often impacting set pieces.
Head-to-Head
The all-time head-to-head record between Slovan Liberec and FC Trinity Zlín is all tied up after 35 games in all competitions (W13, D9, L13) but Liberec have the upper hand in aggregate score ( 85-44 ).
Key Players
- Midfielder Michal Hlavatý has provided goals in the autumn campaign and has the ability to make things happen.
- The attack will be spearheaded by Raimonds Krollis, the team’s main goal threat.
- Tomáš Poznar is a target man for Zlín who can hold up the ball and play the hold-up role.
- Michal Cupák is Zlín’s midfield threat, capable of making runs and impacting set pieces.
Betting Insights
- So Slovan, who are currently the stronger side and have the home advantage, are the bookmakers’ favourites at 1.6, although Zlín are 5.5 and the draw 3.55.
- Our selection is to take the Under 2.5 Goals option at 1.7 because we think the weather could be cold and overcast in Liberec, which might make for a scrappy match on a hard field.
- Zlín’s winter friendlies all ended 0-0, which suggests they will look to be solid at the back as they attempt to reboot after their chaotic autumn.
Prediction
They are just as likely to win as Slovan, whose form is rock-solid, but with the home team being the superior side we will take 1-1 or 2-1 as the most likely score.
