Czech Republic vs Wales: Best bets for World Cup qualifier

Wales face a difficult trip to Prague for a vital World Cup qualifier. Both teams are locked on 7 points each and Friday’s game will likely be crucial in determining who secures that important second spot in the group.

When the sides met in Cardiff earlier in the campaign, Wales ran out 1-0 victors in a game which saw both teams reduced to ten men.

Patrik Schick was dismissed for the visitors, while Connor Roberts earned a second yellow card late on. Both teams will be looking to avoid similar disciplinary issues here.

Wales will be without Bale, Norrigton-Davies, Lockyer, while Brooks and Robert’s are also doubts to feature. The home side are without West Ham’s Coufal, but Schick is set to lead the line.

Wales are averaging less than a goal per game in their last ten matches against all opponents, with 0.7 game. This drops to just 0.4 goals per game in their last five matches when they’ve been priced similarly in the outright market. Wales have also failed to score in 6 of their last 10.

Czech Republic opponents are averaging one goal per game in their last ten matches, but Wales will be without their talisman Gareth Bale.

Czech Republic average over 8 corners per game in their last five matches where they have been similarly priced. Wales’ opponents average 6 corners in their last five matches at a similar price. Furthermore, Wales' opponents in general over their last ten matches average 6.5 corners.

When these sides met earlier in qualifying, Czech Republic had 5 corners despite going down to ten men just after the half time whistle.

Schick will be looking to atone for his red card which cost his team so dearly and now means the teams are tied on 7 points each. The 25-year-old has been in fine form in the Bundesliga, finding the net 4 times in his last 5 matches.

Wales have had less corners than their opponents in 8 of their last 10 matches and they even managed to have less in the last encounter between these teams, despite having a man advantage for over 30 minutes.

Wales have only won one of their last five matches where the bookmakers have priced them similarly to tonight. This came in a friendly against Mexico, but thye are lacking cutting edge in recent games, failing  to score in 4 of their last 5 matches.