Steaua have made a stuttering start to the new domestic Liga 1 campaign and currently sit seventh in the standings after scoring just four goals in six games.

A lack of enterprise in attack appears to be the main concern for controversial Steaua owner Gigi Becali, who has seemingly reached the end of his tether with Hagi's underperforming side.

Dorel Zaharia, who hit two goals in Steaua's Champions League qualifying campaign, has been selected ahead of fellow frontman Surdu in recent weeks, and Becali was unequivocal when voicing his dissatisfaction at that decision.

"If he continues to play with Zaharia, Hagi will be sacked," he declared after Steaua's disappointing goalless draw with city rivals Rapid at the weekend.

"I want striker Romeo Surdu and midfielder Valentin Badoi to start the match in Prague," Becali continued. "Hagi will leave if he fails to make them play."

Whether there is any substance to this latest threat remains to be seen, but Hagi is unlikely to need any extra motivation to go for the win against Champions League debutants Slavia.

In a tough group that also contains 2005/06 finalists Arsenal and reigning two-time UEFA Cup champions Sevilla, Steaua and Slavia will realistically be battling for the UEFA Cup berth that comes with a third-placed finish come matchday six.

However, Hagi would be unwise to underestimate a Slavia outfit who despatched four-time European champions Ajax in the third qualifying round to reach this stage.

Hagi has a few concerns ahead of the game, with Mihai Nesu, Eric Bicfalvi, Mirel Radoi, Mihaita Plesan, Sorin Ghionea and Ifeanyi Emeghara all injured.

Meanwhile, Slavia coach Karel Jarolim has a major injury worry himself ahead of Steaua's visit with former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer a major doubt with a muscular injury.

Petr Janda, Michal Svec and Matej Krajcik are also carrying knocks.

Jarolim said: "Steaua is a difficult opponent. We must be very careful if we want to win this match.

"Steaua is playing defensive, but they have tall players and it is very hard to score against them.

"What are their weaknesses? I think that we will find a few, but I can't talk about that in this moment. We will do everything to start group stage with a victory."

Forward Stanislav Vlcek, who scored twice in the win over Ajax, added: "This is our first match in the Champions League and because we play at home, we want to win the three points.

"Steaua is a strong team, but all the teams are so in this stage. It will be difficult, but I hope that we will make a good match.

"We don't want to finish group stage on the last place. We will try to qualify to the next stage."