Slovan Liberec vs Fiorentina predictions, betting tips & preview

Fiorentina’s dip in form in Serie A has seen them drop off the pace in the fight for European places. They’re now 14th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone. They can’t worry about their fight for Europe this week, as they have to be focused on the Europa League. They travel to the Czech Republic to face Slovan Liberec, who are also in trouble domestically.

Liberec are 14th themselves, which leaves them a place above the drop zone. They clearly have much bigger things to worry about, but how will they deal with Fiorentina on Thursday? Will this be a relief from their league struggles, or will it be another tough night for a side who are struggling to pick up results?

They picked up a point in their Europa League opener away to Qarabag, but they lost 2-1 to Greek side PAOK in their last game. Domestically Liberec have won just two of their nine matches so far, having finished third last term. While they have ex-Liverpool man Milan Baros among their ranks, they don’t seem to have enough quality to compete in this competition. How can they match a Serie A side when they’re third from bottom in the Czech Liga?

Fiorentina have no wins in their last four away games. They drew in Greece against PAOK a few weeks ago, which left them joint top in this group. They have the chance to almost clinch qualification if they can claim victories home and away to Liberec. Given how the Czechs have conceded a goal per game domestically, and two per game in Europe, we can see them struggling to contain the Italian side.

While Fiorentina have some scoring woes in Serie A, they have a +4 goal difference after two games in this group. They’re pretty solid at the back, having conceded just 0.86 goals this term. They’ve been incredibly clinical in Europe, having put away 15% of their shots so far. Slovan have a lot to worry about, given that 16% of the chances they have faced have hit the net. Since La Viola have averaged 16 shots per game in their first two matches, they shouldn’t have too much difficulty breaking through on Thursday.

We’re backing Fiorentina to put their league woes behind them with a win here. Liberec have been poor this season so far, and they’re far too open at the back to do much against higher quality opposition. An away win here is our tip, with the Serie A side priced at 5/6 with bet365 to take all three points.