To the Netherlands for points for the national coefficient! What form do Slavia and Jablonec’s opponents have?

In a week’s time, two Czech teams will play against Dutch teams in the European Conference League. If Prague Slavia and Jablonec could bring two wins, it would be a real sensation. At the same time, it would mean a significant increase in the chances of reaching the dream 15th place in the coefficient rankings!

To be specific, Slavia will face the red and white machine Feyenoord, while Jablonec will face the ailing Alkmaar. Both teams are considered big brands in the Netherlands, but only one of them has had a good start to the season.

Feyenoord Rotterdam overcame a strong PSV (4:0) at the weekend and on Wednesday they took down a nasty Heerenveen 3:1 at home. It is fourth in the Eredivisie table for now, but has one game less than all three teams ahead of it.

The Rotterdam team has 12 points (4 wins, 1 loss) and if they could win the playoffs, they would be in second place behind Ajax.

Coach Slote’s charges Heerenveen clearly outplayed PSV in statistical indicators as well, as shown by the xG (number of expected goals) and the passing map. Against PSV, Feyenoord played in a 4-1-4-1 formation and relied on quick counterattacks. Against Heerenveen, however, they took the initiative and played in a 4-2-3-1 formation and in a much higher position.

On the other hand, AZ Alkmaar, against whom Jablonec will play, are very poor in the league. It is in penultimate place with just 3 points. On the other hand, it has only played 4 matches out of 6 rounds. Anyway, the form is certainly not optimal, Alkmaar will play Twente on Thursday and G.A. Eagles at the weekend. So, by the match of the 2nd round of the EKL, coach Jansen’s charges can dig themselves out of the unfortunate relegation waters.

According to the bookmakers, the favourites are the teams from the Netherlands. But both Slavia and Jablonec have the current form to bring back important points from the low country to the EKL group and the national coefficient rankings.

Source:: Livesport, 11tegen11_plots