PREVIEW | Slavia Praha vs Barcelona - team news, lineups, predictions

[(Slavia Praha) Strength]:
1. Slavia Praha scored 10 goals in the last 5 matches, indicating a strong offensive capability and reliable scoring ability.

[(Slavia Praha) Neutral]:
1. After the winter break, Slavia Praha recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 3 friendly matches, showing average overall form.

[(Slavia Praha) Weakness]:
1. Slavia Praha have yet to win in the Champions League league phase, with a record of 3 draws and 3 losses. Their chances of securing a spot in the knockout play-offs are only mathematical.
2. Slavia Praha conceded 12 goals in the last 5 matches, with their defense performing poorly and allowing opponents to score freely.
3. Slavia Praha recorded 2 draws and 1 loss at home in the Champions League league phase, failing to secure a win and showing no home advantage.
4. The two teams have faced each other twice, with Slavia Praha recording 1 draw and 1 loss, clearly at a psychological disadvantage.
5. Slavia Praha lost 5 of their last 6 matches in AH, indicating poor performances and underwhelming trends.

[(FC Barcelona) Strength]:
1. FC Barcelona recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the first 6 rounds of the Champions League league phase. To secure direct qualification for the round of 16, the team must strive for 6 points in the next two matches, indicating strong motivation.
2. FC Barcelona scored 26 goals in the last 10 matches, with their forward line firing on all cylinders and averaging nearly 3 goals per game, demonstrating reliable scoring ability.
3. FC Barcelona conceded only 2 goals in the last 5 away matches, showing significant improvement in their away defense and overall excellent performance.
4. FC Barcelona won 4 and lost 1 in the last 5 away matches, with an 80% win rate, indicating strong away winning ability.

[(FC Barcelona) Neutral]:
1. Lamine Yamal did not travel to Prague with the team due to suspension, and Ferran Torres will also miss this match due to a hamstring injury. However, Raphinha is expected to return against Slavia Praha. In the 5 matches FC Barcelona lost this season (against Sevilla FC, Real Madrid CF, and Real Sociedad in the league, as well as Paris Saint-Germain FC and Chelsea F.C. in the Champions League), Raphinha was absent in 4 of them, highlighting his importance to the team.
2. In their last match, FC Barcelona hit the woodwork 5 times. According to statistics, this is the second team in the top five leagues since the 2006-2007 season to hit the woodwork 5 times in a single match and still lose, with the first being Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in September 2020 against Manchester United F.C.
3. FC Barcelona's last 5 away matches have all ended with UNDERs in O/U, reflecting a relatively conservative playing style. Attention should be paid to the O/U trend in this match.

[(FC Barcelona) Weakness]:
1. FC Barcelona suffered a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad in their last match, a significant upset that ended their 11-match winning streak across all competitions, dealing a blow to their morale.

[Tips]:
Slavia Praha have shown average performance in post-winter break friendlies, with a record of 3 draws and 3 losses in the Champions League league phase without a win.

Although they scored 10 goals in the last 5 matches, the team had 12 goals conceded, featuring outstanding attack but useless defense.

In the Champions League home matches, they have 2 draws and 1 loss, showing no advantage, and their head-to-head record of 1 draw and 1 loss puts them at a disadvantage.

FC Barcelona, on the other hand, are highly motivated, needing to win all remaining matches to secure direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16.

Despite a recent upset loss ending their 11-match winning streak, their forward line has scored 26 goals in the last 10 matches, demonstrating strong offense.

Their away form is particularly impressive, with 4 wins and 1 loss in the last 5 away matches, conceding only 2 goals, showcasing excellent defense and winning ability.

Considering both teams' motivation, offensive and defensive strength, and away performance, Barcelona are expected to secure a convincing away victory without much suspense.

[Recommended]:
FC Barcelona (-1.5)