Fiorentina vs Slovan Liberec predictions, betting tips & match preview

Fiorentina’s win in the Czech Republic last time out put them clear at the top of the group. They’ve got a three point advantage with three games played. They’re at home to the weakest team in the group next, surely this is a great chance for them to establish themselves at the top?

Fiorentina will surely be looking to record back to back wins against the side who are struggling in the Czech league. They’re closing in on the knockout stages, and the Serie A side can all but wrap up a place in the next round with a win. It’s hard to see them having too many problems claiming the points here.

The visitors make this trip sitting 11th in the Czech league, having been close to the relegation zone not that long ago. They’re having an awful season all round. They average just 0.75 goals per game in the league, and they score 67% of their goals at home. They’ve got a terrible away scoring ratio, it’s less than one every two matches. That’s domestic games too, this game will be a huge step up for them.

Slovan concede a goal a game at the other end, while they’ve won 14% of their away games. They’re really struggling in the Europa League, picking up just one point so far. Their 3-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina showed how far off the top sides they are, and now they face a tough trip to follow that up.

Slovan are heading to face one of the best defensive records in Italy. While Fiorentina have had their problems at home this term, defending has not been one of them. Their record at the Artemio Franchi has been fantastic, they’ve conceded just 0.2 goals per game. They’ve kept a clean sheet in 80% of their matches there this season. That’s hardly good news for Liberec, who failed to score in 57% of their away games this term.

The Czech side come here having lost their last two in the Europa League, and we can see that run being extended to three on Thursday. The hosts have a great defensive record against top Serie A clubs, and they should be able to keep Slovan at bay. We’re backing a home win to nil, which is priced at 5/6 with bet365.