The stage is set in the heart of Czechia, as Slavia Prague prepare to host English giants Arsenal in what promises to be a captivating UEFA Champions League encounter on November 4, 2025, at the iconic Fortuna Arena. This clash pits two teams with contrasting European narratives this season: Arsenal, flying high with a flawless record, against a resilient Slavia Prague side domestically dominant but yearning for a breakthrough in Europe’s elite competition. Can Slavia leverage their formidable home advantage to upset the odds and secure their first Champions League win of the campaign, or will Arsenal continue their imperious march towards the knockout stages?
For Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, this fixture represents an opportunity to all but seal early qualification for the knockout phase, extending their remarkable run of four straight wins without conceding in the group stage. Meanwhile, Slavia Prague, under the shrewd guidance of Jindřich Trpišovský, find themselves searching for their maiden Champions League victory this season, having registered two draws and one loss in their opening three matches. The atmosphere in the compact Fortuna Arena is sure to be electric, posing intriguing questions about how Slavia’s intensity will fare against Arsenal’s blend of defensive organisation and attacking clarity.
Head-to-Head: A History of Gunners’ Dominance
The historical rivalry between Slavia Prague and Arsenal, though limited, heavily favors the English side. The two clubs have met a total of four times in European competitions, with Arsenal remaining unbeaten.
- Total Matches Played: 4
- Slavia Prague Wins: 0
- Draws: 2
- Arsenal Wins: 2
- Total Goals Scored: Slavia Prague 1, Arsenal 12
Recent Meetings:
The most recent encounters between these two clubs occurred in the 2020-21 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, where Arsenal ultimately progressed.
- April 15, 2021: Slavia Prague 0-4 Arsenal (Europa League)
- April 08, 2021: Arsenal 1-1 Slavia Prague (Europa League)
- November 07, 2007: Slavia Prague 0-0 Arsenal (Champions League)
- October 23, 2007: Arsenal 7-0 Slavia Prague (Champions League)
Notably, Arsenal’s 7-0 rout in 2007 remains their joint-biggest victory in any European competition. Furthermore, Arsenal boast an impressive record against Czech opposition, being unbeaten in all 10 of their previous meetings, securing eight wins and two draws, scoring 27 goals and conceding just three. A significant statistical quirk is that Arsenal have never conceded a goal away against Slavia Prague.
Current Form & Team News
Slavia Prague
Domestically, Slavia Prague are in excellent form, currently sitting atop the Czech First League table with 8 wins, 6 draws, and 0 losses in the 2025/2026 season. Their recent run in all competitions is strong, showcasing their resilience:
- W vs Baník Ostrava (2-0, Czech First League, Nov 1)
- W vs Zlín (4-0, Czech CMFS Cup, Oct 29)
- D vs Sigma Olomouc (0-0, Czech First League, Oct 26)
- D vs Atalanta (0-0, Champions League, Oct 22)
- W vs Tescoma Zlin (Czech Chance Liga, Oct 18)
However, their Champions League form tells a different story, with two draws and one loss in three matches, and they are yet to score in their last two Champions League outings.
Team News for Slavia Prague:
Slavia Prague face a considerable challenge with a lengthy absentee list. Key players like Tomáš Holeš (knee), forward Ivan Schranz (muscle), and goalkeeper Jindřich Staněk (muscle) are unavailable. Petr Ševčík, Ondřej Kolář, and Lukáš Vorlický are also ineligible. Defensive concerns are further exacerbated with Igoh Ogbu (hamstring) and David Doudera (muscle) being doubtful, while Dominik Javorcek (knee injury) and Filip Horsky (cruciate ligament injury) are long-term absentees.
In terms of in-form players, Vasil Kusej has been their top scorer in the league with 4 goals and 8 goal involvements, while Lukas Provod has contributed 4 assists.
Arsenal
Arsenal are enjoying a stellar start to their 2025/2026 campaign. They lead the Premier League with a record of 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, accumulating 25 points from 10 games. Their Champions League form is impeccable, having won all three of their group stage matches without conceding a single goal, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal’s recent form across all competitions reflects their strength:
- W vs Burnley (2-0, Premier League, Nov 1)
- W vs Crystal Palace (Premier League, Oct 26)
- W vs Atletico Madrid (4-0, Champions League, Oct 22)
- W vs Port Vale (2-0, EFL Cup, Sep 24)
- W vs Leeds United (5-0, Premier League, Aug 23)
Arsenal have won their last four consecutive matches and are unbeaten in their last six.
Team News for Arsenal:
Arsenal also contend with some key injuries. Martin Odegaard is ruled out with an MCL injury, while Noni Madueke (knee injury) and Kai Havertz are expected to return after the November international break. Gabriel Jesus is in recovery from a torn ACL and is expected back in December. Viktor Gyokeres is also reported to have a potential issue. Martin Zubimendi will miss the match due to suspension.
Standout performers this season include Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel Martinelli, who are currently the club’s leading goalscorers with three goals each. Leandro Trossard and Martinelli also lead the way in goal involvements, each contributing four goals and assists. Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres have featured in all 10 matches so far this season, highlighting their importance.
Tactical Preview
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are expected to deploy a fluid system, likely a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, emphasizing high-pressing, possession-dominant football, coupled with strong defensive organization. Their ability to control the midfield and swiftly transition into attack, often through the pace and creativity of wide players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, will be key. Viktor Gyokeres’ finishing ability will be crucial in breaking down Slavia’s defense.
Slavia Prague are renowned for their intensity and tactical structure, and are likely to adopt a 3-4-2-1 system, anchored by David Zima at the back. At home, they are a formidable force, having scored in 26 of their last 27 European home matches, a statistic that underlines their attacking threat despite recent struggles in the Champions League. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Slavia’s physicality and work rate aiming to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
The Fortuna Arena is known for its compact and atmospheric setting, which can energize the home side and put pressure on visiting teams. While Arsenal will have traveled, their experience in European competition should help them manage any potential travel fatigue. The pitch conditions are expected to be excellent, providing a good surface for Arsenal’s passing game.
