Slovan Bratislava vs Wolverhampton WanderersEuropa LeagueDate: Thursday, 24 October 2019Kick-off at 17:55 UK / 18:55 CETVenue: Tehelné pole (Bratislava).
Slovan Bratislava vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Match preview
SK Slovan Bratislava continues to spring surprises in Europe this season.
Last year, they were crowned champions Slovakia for the 13th time but it was only their fifth title in the 21st century.
They are famous lift the Cup Winners Cup 'UEFA in 1969, beating Barcelona in the final, but has done very little continentally since.
This season started for them against Sutjeska Niksic in the Champions League first qualifying round but they went out on penalties after both legs finished 1-1.
Which saw them drop into the Europa League qualifiers where they are dismissed Feronikeli and then Dundalk before drawing Greece PAOK in Champions League play-off round.
PAOK were heavy favorites to go through but Slovan Bratislava won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a 94th minute winner.
They then struggled to a 3-2 defeat in Thessaloniki but it was enough to see them progress on away goals.
This is their third appearance in the group stages of the Europa League but they make more history on matchday one.
Two minutes late goal from Marin Ljubicic time and then Moha helped them to win their first group stage, 4-2 at home to Beşiktaş.
Then, last time out, they struck late again; a 87th minute own goal helped them to a 2-2 draw at Braga.
That means the Sky Blues are currently top of the group's many surprising everyone.
As for the Wolves, things are looking much brighter then they did just a few weeks ago.
They breezed through the Europa League qualification, viewed from the Crusaders, Pyunik and Torino.
Thus, it was a great surprise when they lost 1-0 at home to Braga on matchday one.
The defeat means that it's very important that they win in the eagle's nest against Beşiktaş three weeks ago.
It looked as though they would draw frustrated until the 93rd minute when his volley Willy Boly win for them.
The win saw them move up to third, just one point behind Braga and their hosts.
São Paulo Nuno's side have also been climbing the Premier League table in recent weeks.
Before the international break, recorded back-to-back 2-0 home win over Watford and then, very impressive, at Manchester City.
On Saturday, Raul Jimenez had the ball in the net three times with only one tally in a 1-1 draw against Southampton.
That makes them 12th with 11 points, but only four points off the European places.
It's worth remembering, this is the first continent task Wolves' since 1980.
Thus, they are desperate to keep it going for as long as possible and to win here would be a big step towards the knockout phase.
PREDICTION
Topping the group, Slovan Bratislava will not be a pushover, and will provide a stern test Wolves.
However, Wolves hit a purple patch in the form, and if they can beat Manchester City away from home, they can beat Slovan Bratislava away from home.
Wolves had to win, but it will be tight.
Prediction: Wolves 0-1 Slovan Bratislava
