Prediction: Czech Republic vs Wales

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 51/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Domestic football has been put on pause for a few weeks in favour of the return of the international break – the second one of the new campaign. In the wake of the Euros and Copa America, as well as the Olympics, many would expect this to be a fairly inconsequential few weeks. Alas, the pandemic has ensured we have to speed up the process on the road to Qatar with Wales and the Czech Republic being two of the many European nations attempting to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Czech Republic

After a slow start we saw the Czechs really burst into life at Euro 2020 with their 2-0 win over the Dutch serving as a real eye-opener regarding what this squad is capable of achieving. Unfortunately, they always seem to follow the same pattern with respect to doing alright at the Euros before faltering in time for the World Cup. It’s a ruthless process they seem to work under and it’s made even worse by the fact that their group isn’t even that difficult.

Team News

Coufal, Boril, Sevcik and Masopust have all left the squad with Soucek being the leading man alongside Holes in the middle of the park.

Wales

The Welsh, in a similar style to their Czech opponents, continually sell themselves short in World Cup qualifying as opposed to the Euros. Sure, there are fewer places to battle for, but you’d think they would put up more of a fight than this. The ageing Gareth Bale isn’t always going to be around to get them out of a pickle which is why it’s so crucial for them to make improvements in their talent development in the years to come.

Team News

Bale, Norrington-Davies and Lockyer are all unavailable to take on the Czech Republic with Ramsey back in the squad which, in itself, is a huge boost.

Factors to Consider

• Czech Republic are 2nd in Group E whereas Wales are 3rd.
• Czech Republic have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Wales have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Czech Republic have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Wales have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both of these teams are doing everything in their power to mess up their chance of qualifying for the World Cup which is a shame, given the fact they both gave a fairly good account of themselves at the Euros this past summer. We expect this to be a tense and nervy affair with neither side really being able to gain the advantage, ending in the two sides both getting on the scoresheet to provide us with an uninspiring 1-1 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 51/20

Bookmaker: 888sport