The Dragons’ qualifying campaign did not start well last week as they suffered a defeat against the FIFA top rank team, Belgium. Their next opponent would be equally as challenging as De Rode Deuvels, Czech Rep, regarding their last result when Tomas Soucek and Co managed to hold Roberto Martinez’s men in a draw. It is considerably crucial match for Wales if they do aim for one spot for World Cup final round.
Both teams’ previous games
Wales was beaten by Romelu Lukaku and Co 1-3 last midweek. Harry Wilson opened the scoring but their lead did not last long as Belgium replied three times through Kevin de Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku’s penalty.
Czech Rep, on the other hand, were able to hold Belgium in a 1-1 draw last weekend. Lukas Provod gave them the lead before Romelu Lukaku’s strike. They should be thankful to their goalkeeper, Tomas Vaclik who succeeded in denying plus blocking several decent chances.
Possible tactic
The caretaker Rob Page might still be employing 3-4-3 and relying on Gareth Bale to lead the attack. He will be accompanied by Daniel James on the right flank while Harry Wilson occupies the false nine role or Kiefer Moore as the real targetman. There are two names ruled out here, the former Liverpool man Joe Allen and James Lawrence.
Meanwhile, Jaroslave Silhavy is likely to opt for 4-4-1-1 again with the transition to 4-1-4-1. Bayer Leverkusen man, Patrick Schick should be the targetman supported by Verona midfielder Antonin Barak and Tomas Soucek in the middle plus Jakub Jankto and Lukas Provod on both wings. Alex Kral, Tomas Kalas and Odrej Kolar are still on the sideline.
Players to watch
The skipper Gareth Bale is still the most dangerous and experienced figure in the squad. His assist in Leuven last week proves that this Tottenham winger can turn to be a provider as well. Another notable name to watch is Harry Wilson. The Bournemouth man could take up a false nine role or if necessary the number ten role if he drops off.
Verona attacking midfielder, Antonin Barak is the new star in Czech Rep. He excels at creating space, aerial duel as well as providing through ball for the targetman. Some other key men to focus on are Tomas Soucek and Vladi Scoufal of West Ham and Sevilla goalkeeper who was in-form in the last outing, Tomas Vaclik.
Wales vs Czech Rep prediction
The revival of Czech Rep seems to become real considering their improving performance since EURO 2020 qualifying round when they stunned England in Prague. Wales’s stagnancy is quite worrying. The return of Aaron Ramsey could be helpful in boosting their confidence to win but Rob Page’s side is still struggling for a point here.
Betting odds
The game seems to be fairly even. The home side are projected at 39/19. The draw result is at the value of 25/11, whereas Jaroslav Silhavy’s men are priced to win at 17/10.
