Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava Predictions

• Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Young Boys’ last five matches
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in Slovan’s last five games
• Slovan have not conceded more than once in their last six matches

Slovan are slow on the turn

Slovan Bratislava have work to do if they are to reach the league phase of the Europa League, as they travel to Berne to face Young Boys already a goal down from the first leg.

This is a clash of the two clubs that finished right at the bottom of the Champions League league phase standings last season and neither appear to have improved much. Slovan were knocked out of Champions League qualifying by lowly Kairat Almaty, who went through on penalties after the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate.

The Slovakian champions were then beaten 1-0 at home by Young Boys, who finished third in Switzerland, last week. Giorgio Contini’s side grabbed the only goal of the game in Bratislava when Chris Bedia broke through the middle of Slovan’s slow defence.

Young Boys lacking winger threat

Vladimir Weiss’ team did hit the woodwork three times on a soaking wet night last week, although two were from long-range efforts from well outside the box. They lack a penalty box presence capable of unsettling the Young Boys’ defence.

A lack of penetration was again their downfall in the Slovakian league last weekend when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zemplin. Likewise, YB have not been prolific this term as they adapt to life without 2024-25 top scorer Christian Fassnacht, who is currently injured.

Backing under 2.5 goals seems to be the way to go based on the pretty dismal attacking trends of both clubs.  The Wankdorf Stadium’s plastic 4G artificial playing surface could be a factor in slowing the game down too, which ought to suit the home side.