SC Dnipro-1 v Slavia Prague

Dnipro-1 vs Slavia Prague Preview

The equation is simple for Thursday night's hosts, Dnipro-1 - the home side must win by four clear goals if they are to have any chance of progressing through to the play-offs, following last week's heavy defeat to Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic.

Dnipro-1 were dealt a comprehensive 3-0 defeat away from home at the Fortuna Arena in last week's 1st leg which means that Dnipro-1 will have their hand forced here in order to stand any chance, and goals could result as a consequence.

The Ukrainian hosts have produced some mixed results of late in all competitions as they have recorded just the one win from their previous six matches overall while also suffering two defeats which have both come in European competition this season.

A 3-1 loss at home to Panathinaikos contributed to a 5-3 loss on aggregate in the early qualifying rounds of the Champions League, along with the aforementioned defeat to Slavia Prague, but goals have certainly been a feature in recent times as eight out of Dnipro-1's last 10 matches in all competitions have resulted in Over 2.5 goals scored.

Slavia Prague will be looking to just keep their hosts at arms length in this return leg at the Dnipro Arena and not concede an early goal which would give the hosts plenty of encouragement, but at the same time Slavia Prague cannot afford to just sit back and allow Dnipro-1 onto them.

The Czech Republic visitors bring a useful looking five-match winning streak into this important 2nd leg tie having registered victories against Hradec Kralove, Ceske Budejovice, Zlin, Dnipro-1 and Mlada Boleslav - four of which were in the domestic top flight.

In addition, four of these five wins have also produced three goals or more so the prospect of further goals in this encounter looks pretty promising, especially as seven of Slavia Prague's last 10 matches overall have also resulted in Over 2.5 goals as well.

Results away from home though in the Europa League for Slavia Prague have been indifferent to say the least as the visitors have recorded just three wins from their last nine outings on their travels in this competition, but yet again goals have featured as seven of Slavia Prague's last 10 away ties at this level have also produced Over 2.5 goals.

Dnipro-1 v Slavia Prague Verdict

Both Dnipro-1 and Slavia Prague have been involved in numerous games containing three goals or more and this return leg at the Dnipro Arena could be no exception as the hosts know they must start this tie on the front foot with attacking intent which should at least see plenty of goalmouth action on Thursday night.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85

Other side bets worth considering:

Slavia Prague win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.75

Correct score: Slavia Prague 2-1 @ 8.50