Czech Republic are attempting to come out of a mini slump in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers as they travel to Kazan for a Group E clash with Belarus. The Belarusians have been the whipping boys of the group and the Czechs are favourites to come out on top here.
Belarus were beaten last time out in the qualifiers as they lost 2-0 to Estonia. They were second best throughout the contest, creating few chances and finishing with just two attempts on target in 90 minutes.
It has been all downhill for Belarus since the 4-2 victory over Estonia in their opening fixture of the qualifiers. Georgi Kondratiev’s men have lost their last five qualifying matches and are currently bottom of Group E.
Goals have also been hard to come by for Belarus in recent times as they have failed to score in their last five qualifying matches.
Czech Republic were held to a 2-2 draw by Wales in their previous qualifying fixture. They came from behind to lead through Jakub Pesek and an own goal from Danny Ward but failed to hold on for the win.
Things have not been particularly smooth for the Czech Republic lately, although they have only suffered one defeat in their last four matches in all competitions. Incidentally, their last win in the qualifiers was a 1-0 victory over Belarus back in September.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s men currently sit eight points behind group leaders Belgium and may have to settle for a playoff place. However, they will need to make a quick return to winning ways in order to fend off Wales, who are only behind on goal difference.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Czech Republic as overwhelming favourites at 8/25 with Unibet. William Hill is offering odds of 11/1 for an unlikely Belarus victory while a draw is valued at 22/5 with SBK.
Head to head
Czech Republic have never lost to Belarus, winning all six previous matches. They earned a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in September.
Players to watch
Patrik Schick has been impressive for both club and country and has found the net six times in his last seven appearances for the national team. The striker could be worth a punt in the anytime goalscorer market at 11/10 with Skybet.
At the other end of the pitch, Czech Republic will be looking to centre-backs Ondrej Celustka and Tomas Kalas to provide some steel and protection. They already kept a clean sheet in the reverse fixture and with Belarus struggling for goals at the moment, a repeat could be on the cards at 5/6 with BoyleSport.
Anything else catch the eye?
Czech Republic earned a win to nil in the reverse fixture and with Belarus struggling for goals lately, a similar result could be expected at evens with BoyleSports. The visitors could also be tipped in the -1 handicap market at 10/11 with Betfred.
Czech Republic can also be picked as the only team to score at 10/11 with William Hill.
This World Cup match between Belarus and Czech Republic will be played on Oct 11, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Belarus vs Czech Republic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
