Slavia Prague - Lens

Tomas Chory arrives at this Champions League matchday 1 encounter in fine fettle, spearheading a Slavia Prague attack that recently dismantled FC Zbrojovka Brno 4-0. The hosts have enjoyed a dominant domestic run, including a clinical 3-0 victory over rivals Sparta Prague, which underscores their current momentum. However, Slavia Prague must navigate this opening test at Fortuna Arena with a reshuffled squad, as key figures including David Zima and Lukas Provod are sidelined through injury. The expected XI, anchored by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic, will look to maintain their high-scoring form against European opposition.

Lens travel to the Czech Republic aiming to arrest a slide after consecutive league defeats, most recently a 0-1 loss to Lorient. Despite a high-scoring 5-2 win over Auxerre last month, their form has proven inconsistent. With Matthieu Udol and Maik Nawrocki among those ruled out, the visitors face a significant defensive challenge. Florian Thauvin and Abdallah Sima are expected to lead the line, hoping to exploit any gaps in the Slavia backline. This clash promises to be a tactical battle as both sides look to secure an early advantage in the group stage.