Pardubice vs Zlin - Czech Liga

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings Pardubice and Zlin together at the home ground on April 25, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the Czech Liga occasion. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

There is plenty riding on this Czech Liga encounter for Pardubice and Zlin alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. It has been a torrid run for the hosts, WW in their last five and a season win rate of just 22.22% that has the alarm bells ringing. Zlin are searching for answers away from home, DWLLL over their last five with a campaign win rate of 0%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Pardubice average 1 per game to Zlin's 0.89, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Pardubice and Zlin have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. The 29-year-old ranked 4th in strokes gained approach in 2026, and he has finished outside the top four in that specific category only once in the seven full seasons he has played on the PGA Tour.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Another midfielder remains on the agenda with Manu Kone and Aurelien Tchouameni among those linked to a move to Old Trafford.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Czech Liga standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.