Czech Republic vs Wales

Sinobo Stadium is the venue as the Czech Republic and Wales lock horns in a potentially decisive World Cup qualification Group E encounter. With Belgium on course of winning this group, these two sides are likely to battle it out for the second place.

The Czech Republic experienced mixed fortunes during the September international break. Jaroslav Silhavy’s defeated Belarus 1-0 at home before falling to a 3-0 away loss to Group E leaders Belgium as they go into proceedings occupying the all-important play-off spot. However, their hopes of reaching their first World Cup finals since 2006 are hanging by a thread, as they are level on points with their visitors Wales, who also have a game in hand. Therefore, the Czechs will consider this as a must-win match, though they must be aware of the fact they’ve drawn a blank in both previous competitive H2Hs (D1, L1), including a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in March. Getting off the mark first could be of the essence here, considering that seven of the Czechs’ last eight competitive outings saw the victor open the scoring.

On the other hand, the visitors were left rueing squandered opportunities in their most recent World Cup qualifying fixture as they played out an underwhelming scoreless draw with group minnows Estonia in Cardiff last time out. However, Wales will take courage from going unbeaten in three consecutive Group E matches (W2, D1) since a dismal 3-1 away loss to Belgium on Matchday 1. Yet, Rob Page will have to shore up his side’s defensive woes on foreign soil if Wales are to register their fourth shutout in five match-ups against the Czech Republic. Indeed, the ‘Dragons’ have conceded 2+ goals in both away games in the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign (W1, L1), letting in precisely two first-half goals on each occasion.