Preview:Slovan Bratislava vs Young Boys - prediction, team news, lineups

With Europa League qualification on the line for the winner of the tie, Slovan Bratislava will face visitors Young Boys on Thursday at Stadion Tehelne pole in the first of two legs.

The Slovakian hosts were beaten on penalties in the third round of Champions League qualifying on August 12 by Kairat Almaty and were subsequently entered into the Europa League qualifiers, whereas Young Boys will play their first European game of the current campaign on Thursday.

Match preview

Slovan Bratislava won the second leg 1-0 against Kairat Almaty, but they failed to produce any shots on target after the first half before ultimately losing 4-3 on penalties.

Belasi have only scored once in each of their last two games, and they failed to find the back of the net in their prior fixture.

The hosts have advanced past the qualifying stages of a major European competition in each of their four most recent campaigns, but three of those seasons saw them participate in the group stage of the Conference League.

Head coach Vladimir Weiss has overseen seven matches this term, with his side emerging victorious on four occasions while losing just once and keeping three clean sheets.

Slovan's record at home in 2025-26 is flawless given they have triumphed in all four of their outings at Stadion Tehelne pole, netting four goals twice and keeping their opponents at bay three times.

Young Boys finished third in the Championship playoff group of the Swiss top flight in 2024-25, a placement that entered them into this stage of the Europa League qualifiers.

Manager Giorgio Contini's side have been poor in 2025-26, winning two, drawing two and suffering one loss in their five games this term.

The Swiss team are unbeaten in their four clashes against Slovan, winning on three occasions, with the last matchup a 3-2 victory for Thursday's visitors in July 2021.

Young Boys have netted nine goals this campaign - seven of which came in two games - and they conceded seven times in that period.

Contini's team have been poor on the road for some time considering they have only won once in their past eight competitive away matches, succumbing to losses four times.

Slovan Bratislava form (all competitions):

Young Boys form (all competitions):

Team News

Slovan winger Robert Mak netted against Kairat Almaty in the second leg, and the forward is set to be part of a frontline also featuring Tigran Barseghyan and David Strelec.

Kenan Bajric and Marko Tolic were paired together in the middle of the pitch against Kairat Almaty, and the duo will hope to reain their places.

With left-back Sandro Cruz ruled out due to injury, Peter Pokorny could fill in in defence on Thursday.

Young Boys striker Christian Fassnacht is injured, as is attacker Facinet Conte, meaning Contini may have no choice but to start Ebrima Colley and Chris Bedia up front.

Midfielders Edimilson Fernandes and Rayan Raveloson could be tasked with protecting centre-backs Gregory Wuthrich and Loris Benito.

Slovan Bratislava possible starting lineup:

Takac; Blackman, Kashia, Wimmer, Pokorny; Bajric, Tolic; Barseghyan, Weiss, Mak; Strelec

Young Boys possible starting lineup:

Keller; Athekame, Wuthrich, Benito, Hadjam; Males, Fernandes, Raveloson, Fassnacht; Colley, Bedia