Slavia Praha vs Lens: Champions League Opener Preview
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Slavia Praha and Lens meet in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League league stage on Thursday, 10 September 2026. With both sides eager to make a strong start to their European campaigns, this fixture offers an early test of their continental credentials.
Slavia Praha Form Guide
The reigning Czech champions enter this Champions League tie on the back of a resounding 4-0 domestic victory over Zbrojovka Brno. Manager Jindřich Trpišovský will be particularly pleased with his side's attacking output, as forward Tomáš Chorý returned from suspension to net his 19th career league penalty. The Red-and-Whites remain unbeaten this season and boast a four-point lead at the top of their domestic table, setting a confident tone ahead of this European encounter.
Team News and Injury Latest
Both clubs face significant selection headaches due to mounting injury lists. For Slavia Praha, the recent win over Brno came at a cost, as internationals David Zima and Lukáš Provod were forced off early and replaced by Tomáš Vlček and Emmanuel Ayaosi. They join an already crowded treatment room that includes Tomás Holes, Igoh Ogbu, David Jurásek, and Youssoupha Sanyang. However, the hosts were boosted by summer signing Kubiak making his debut after recovering from his own injury issues.
Lens travel with a similarly depleted squad. The French outfit will be without key defensive figures, as Jean-Clair Todibo and Maik Nawrocki are sidelined. Saud Abdulhamid, Jhoanner Chávez, Samson Baidoo, and Junior Kadile are also ruled out, forcing the visitors to dig deep into their squad depth for this crucial European away trip.
Key Battle: Slavia's Attack vs Depleted Lens Defence
With Lens missing the defensive solidity usually provided by Todibo and Nawrocki, Slavia's frontline will look to exploit any vulnerabilities. The return of Chorý, who immediately found the back of the net against Brno, gives the Czech side a reliable focal point in attack. Furthermore, the reintegration of Isife into the starting lineup highlights Slavia's attacking depth, which could prove decisive against a patched-up Lens backline.
Looking ahead, securing three points in this opening fixture is vital for both clubs' hopes of advancing through the league phase. Following this contest, Slavia Praha will prepare for a European away trip to Sabah FC, while Lens will look toward their match against Sporting CP on matchday two.
