Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava
28 July 1915hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League
Pick Young Boys HT/FT
Bookmaker Betvictor
Odds: 21/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 26 July
There was nothing to split Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava in the first leg of their second round qualifier so there is all to play for as the Swiss and Slovakian champions face off on Wednesday.
Table of Contents
Young Boys Preview – Can Young Boys make home advantage count as they bid to keep group stage dream alive?
Young Boys had to wait 31 years between titles but they are making up for loss time winning the last four Swiss titles – and they confirmed their dominance by cruising to last year’s championship, ending the campaign 31 points clear of Basel. That success did not go unnoticed and Gerardo Seoane (who masterminded three of those titles) is now coaching in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
The man brought in to replace him is David Wagner who is attempting to rebuild his career following a dismal time of it with Schalke. Wagner’s first objective is to ensure that Young Boys are playing European football of some sort after August, with preference obviously for the Champions League.
Slovan Bratislava Preview – Are Slovakian champions capable of upsetting their hosts?
Like their opponents, Slovan Bratislava are the dominant team in their own country and have just celebrated their third successive title and their 11th overall. They got their attempts to win a fourth consecutive title off to the perfect start with a 4-1 win away from home which came in between these two games with Young Boys.
Former Slovakian coach Vladimir Weiss has returned to the club this summer having previously been in charge in 2011/12. He was unsuccessful in his last stint and knows he will be under pressure to at least guarantee the domestic title once again.
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Slovan Bratislava sneaked past Irish champions Shamrock Rovers in the first round of qualification – surviving a 2-1 defeat away from home to progress 3-2 on aggregate. A goalless first leg is not a bad result considering they are the unfancied team in this tie but are also aware that with away goals no longer being relevant it’s not as good a result as it used to be.
Brazilian striker Rafael Ratao provides the quality in attack for the Slovaks. He scored both goals in the 2-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers and was also on target at the weekend.
Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava Betting Advice
There’s no doubt that Young Boys are the team who most expect to progress. They have the more recent European experience and can call upon a better quality of player. The fact they are also at home in this return leg and lost just once at home in the league last season indicates how strong they are.
It’s a favourable enough draw in the third round of qualification for whoever progresses. Cluj hold a 2-1 league after the first leg and have home advantage against Lincoln Red Imps in the return game.
Key Facts – Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava Betting Tip
- Young Boys won their fourth consecutive Swiss title last year, comfortably seeing Basel into second place
- Slovan Bratislava defeated Irish champions Shamrock Rovers 3-2 on aggregate in the previous round
- Cluj or Lincoln Red Imps awaits the winners of this tie in the next round
For the reasons listed above I do think Young Boys will progress and they can do so comfortably enough. Back them to be winning at half time and full time.
Best Betting Odds for Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava
