Prediction: Czech Republic vs Germany

Verdict: Germany to win at HT/FT – yes

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: bet365

Germany are undefeated in their 2018 World Cup Qualifying run, and it seems it is only a matter of time before they secure a berth in the upcoming World Cup. They will try to take another step towards that goal this Friday, as they will take on Czech Republic in a tough environment. Aside from playing away from home, Czech Republic need the points to avoid complications on their attempt to reach a spot in the World Cup playoffs. The match will take place at Eden Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, at 19:45 BST.

Czech Republic

There is no question Czech Republic are on a tight spot. They sit third in the standings, but are four points behind the second-placed team Northern Ireland. As if that wasn’t enough, Karel Jarolim’s men are a distant nine points back of first place so their only realistic outcome is to fight with Northern Ireland for a playoff berth. And while playing against Germany is tough, the Eastern Europe side should be hopeful of getting a positive result if we analyse their recent form. They are riding a four-game undefeated streak, and will do their best to pull the upset against the reigning World Cup champions. But if we consider they have to face Northern Ireland next week – in what’s likely going to be a win-or-go-home game for them – I wouldn’t rule out the chance of Czech Rep trying to make the contest against NIR the more important one. They have a bigger chance there, and they would have the opportunity to discount three points of a direct opponent on their quest for a playoff berth.

Team News

Czech Republic will not have several important pieces for this game. Patrik Schick, Milan Skoda and Tomas Sivok were not included in the squad for these two fixtures.

As if that wasn’t enough, Jarolim has named a youthful squad, with only one player – Werder Bremen’s Theodor Gebre Selassie – aged over 30. The lack of experience might be a factor when playing against one of the strongest teams in the world.

Germany

There is a possibility no European team have a better situation in the World Cup Qualifiers than Germany. Aside from being the reigning World Cup champions, Joachim Löw’s men have won their six matches thus far and sit comfortably on top of the standings in Group C with a five-point advantage over Northern Ireland. Winning against Czech Republic will not grant them a spot in the World Cup even if the Brittish side loses against San Marino – quite unlikely on paper – but they would take a huge step towards clinching their berth in Russia. And they are clear favourites on paper given their recent performances. They won the 2017 Confederations Cup, have not lost in their past 24 contests, and have six straight wins in the Qualifiers. This will be one of their toughest matches in the entire Qualifier run, but there is no doubt they have enough talent to come out on top.

Team News

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is unavailable due to injury. Manuel Neuer has not been called up even though he recovered from his injury.

Shkodran Mustafi, Benedikt Höwedes, Leroy Sane and Sami Khedira are out as well. So there is a chance Germany presents an alternative squad with names such as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Antonio Rudiger and Sebastian Rudy, for instance.

Key Factors to Consider

• Germany have won their last 6 matches. In fact, they are undefeated in their last 24 fixtures across all competitions.
• Czech Republic have not done bad themselves, though, as they are undefeated in their last four matches.
• Czech Republic scored at least one goal in their last 3 matches. Germany’s streak of scoring at least once has extended all the way to 24 matches.
• Die Mannschaft have a perfect 6W 0D 0L run in the WCQ, scoring 27 goals and allowing just one.
• On the other hand, Czech Rep have a 2W 3D 1L mark and register only nine points. Winning is imperative for them considering their position in the standings.
• Germany won 3-0 when both teams met earlier in the World Cup Qualifiers back in 2016.

Conclusion

There is no question Germany are the big favourites in this game. Czech Republic are tough playing at home and they will try to make things complicated for the reigning World Cup champions. Especially if they need a positive outcome to keep their qualifying chances alive and well. But Germany will be too much to handle for a very inexperienced Czech side. I expect the reigning World Cup champions to win at both HT and FT in this one.

Verdict: Germany to win at HT/FT – yes

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: bet365