Slavia quartet back for Monaco

Goalless draw
Slavia's dress rehearsal against FK Chmel Blšany did not quite go according to plan as they stuttered to a goalless draw against the side that went into the game lying at the foot of the Czech First Division. But Jarolím believes his full-strength team will be powerful enough to overcome Monaco at the Evzena Rošického stadium.

Four changes
Striker Karel Piták (broken nose) and defender Matej Krajčík (leg injury) were both sidelined, but the duo will return to the starting XI against Monaco, alongside Slovikian midfield player Dušan Švento. The central defender Martin Latka is also back in action after missing the Blšany game through suspension.

Play to win
Five points could be enough for Slavia to seal one of the coveted top-three places, but Jarolím insisted his side would not play for a draw. "We are ready to win and secure the promotion on Wednesday, although it will not be an easy game," he said. "Monaco have not had brilliant results this season, but they are well-organised side with a strong midfield."

Meriem blow
That midfield could be weakened by the loss of playmaker Camel Meriem, who suffered a torn thigh muscle in the side's 2-1 defeat by Olympique de Marseille on Sunday. It is the same injury that is set to keep striker Olivier Kapo out for a fortnight. The duo are the latest additions to a formidable list of absentees for Francesco Guidolin, with Flavio Roma (stomach), Gerard López (achilles), Ernesto Chevantón (knee), Maicon (ankle) and Sébastien Squillaci (thigh) all sidelined.

Plašil homecoming
Their absence has created an opportunity for a number of fringe players to make an impression. The likes of Olivier Veigneau, Serge Gakpé and Nicolas Maurise-Belay will all be keen to impress, as will Jaroslav Plašil, who is set for his first match in his homeland since joining Monaco six years ago. "Slavia are a good side," he said. "They have no star but they have real collective strength. I think it's possible to take the point there."