I think Slavia still rise to the occasion next week, they didn't exactly play their finest team and even had a keeper sent off early. The big concern for them is goalkeeping as long as Kolar is out. Brno still may catch Mlada Boleslav or (more likely on current form) Teplice, but we really just aren't finishing chances when it matters. I'm fully expecting to jump on the SK Lisen bandwagon next season if current tables hold.
Kolar may actually be ready for the derby and possibly by some miracle, Arsenal. However, it appears more a case of him wanting to play rather than being medically cleared to play. Otherwise, I just think fatigue and pending absences will eventually reflect in their upcoming performances. Slavia had over half their team on international duty with a few experienced cornerstones (Kudela and Boril) returning with health issues. From Sparta’s side, they are fresh and improving under Vrba, and I especially feel (and hope admittedly) that Hlozek will finally impose himself on this stage. I think he’s now ready to succeed in big games which had been the underlying criticism of him thus far. It’s a shame we won’t see him against Sima (another notable absence for Slavia due to suspension) this season if at all ever (at least not in the Czech league). It’s obviously very difficult to bet against this Slavia team under Trpisovsky, but now would be as good a time as ever. With that said, you can never rule out a defensive disaster at Sparta, so a draw with goals is another safe prediction I think.
Not that surprised his remaining suspension was lifted. One less key absence for Slavia, but I still like Sparta in this one. Slavia might really be in trouble tomorrow though. Both Kudela (injury..) and Deli (Covid) are ruled out, leaving them with one registered CB on the their European roster, and that is young David Zima. I think Holes will likely shift down and play RCB. The other possible variation is a back three, but I wouldn’t do that at this stage (I’m sure the lineup graphic will show this however). This will be a particularly huge test for Zima, who needs to prove that he can manage without Kudela or Deli. More so the former who he’s formed a solid partnership with. He can’t rely on him forever if he plans on playing abroad and becoming a core member of the national team one day. Sounds like Kolar will miraculously be a game time decision.
I think the defensive losses it will be very tough for them even if this doesn't appear to be a particularly vintage Arsenal squad. Maybe Arsenal 2-0.
Oscar Dorley is the first Liberian to play in the quarterfinals of UEFA tournament since George Weah. As someone that vividly remembers the 90's football of my childhood that was an interesting piece of trivia from uefa.com.
My concern with Kolar not just for today, but going forward (especially with a likely move abroad), is the psychological impact an injury like this can have on his play. His one flaw (apart from his risky plays that induce heart attacks) is his ability to deal with crosses and set pieces. He struggles with judging them at times and already appeared sort of reluctant to challenge before this injury. Hopefully he’ll feel comfortable and confident with his Cech style helmet.
I’m looking forward to Karlsson continuing to wear his helmet for the derby on Sunday. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two players on opposing teams wearing headgear in a match. Actually, all Slavia players should probably wear protective headgear as long as Krejci II is playing..
I wonder if Kolar will still go abroad this summer, he was planning to go to France last year (he apparently lived in France as a child and still has some knowledge of the language). It's sort of seems like he stayed mainly because he began dating Tvrdik's daughter around the same time as the Nice negotiations.
BTW, I'm not actually watching this match (match tracker) and am neutral if not pro-Arsenal this time around.
I’m generally a neutral myself, but I’ll still support Slavia from a purely footballing standpoint. I want them to impress and showcase themselves well on this stage, especially those certain players that have interest from clubs abroad. With that said, I won’t stand behind Kudela and Tvrdik, or any sort of racist apologist behaviour from those associated with the club.
That's probably more accurately where I am, sort of want the players to succeed but the club to fail. I could also though use some elaborate link like Zbrojovka could be roughly translated as Arsenal.
I believe he is actually injured, though it does feel quite convenient. He was elbowed in the nose by Bale during our national team match in Wales. It was actually a dirty play, but admittedly deserved.
Elbow, what elbow? I didn't see nothing. We're already the better than Leicester City by that metric so why not, also may actually be better than Rangers but ******** me that would be a rough match for all involved, it could be the end of football.