The Czech Republic and Croatia will face off in a crunch World Cup qualifier at the Fortuna Arena on Thursday night.
The two nations are currently locked on 12 points at the top of Group B, with Croatia only in front thanks to their superior goal difference.
What’s more, Croatia have also played a game fewer, so they are currently in the driving seat for section honours.
Zlatko Dalic’s side made it four wins from four in Group B with a 4-0 mauling of Montenegro last time out.
As for the Czech Republic, they returned to winning ways with a 2-0 success over Montenegro last month, in a game that brought up two of my three recommended selections.
Ivan Hasek’s side have since played out a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in a friendly fixture, with a last-gasp equaliser denying the Lions a victory.
How the bookies view it: Croatia hot streak to continue
Seeking to make it five wins in succession in Group B, Croatia are 13/10 favourites with Boylesports to pick up all three points in Prague on Thursday night.
The Czech Republic – who have won each of their previous two home games – are 19/10 outsiders while a share of the Fortuna Arena spoils is an unfancied 23/10 with the same firm.
Head to head: History against the hosts
The Czech Republic will be looking to snap a five-game winless run against Croatia. Having claimed a resounding 5-1 victory in the reverse fixture, Croatia could hold a psychological advantage coming into this week’s return match.
Players to watch: Look to Luka
Luka Modric has hit the target at least once in two of his last three appearances for Croatia, making him an appealing option to repeat the trick here at 6/5 on Bet365.
Tomas Soucek got himself on the scoresheet when the two teams last came up against each other back in June. The towering Czech midfielder is a 9/2 anytime goalscorer option with Boylesports.
Predicted line-ups
Czech Republic boss Hasek will be unable to call upon the services of injured duo David Doudera and Tomas Holes.
Josip Stanisic is not expected to feature for Croatia in either of the next two international windows after suffering a ligament injury during Bayern Munich’s 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Champions League last month.
Czech Republic: Stanek; Doudera, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Cerv, Kusej, Sulc, Provod; Schick.
Croatia: Livakovic; Jakic, Sutalo, Caleta-Car, Sosa; Modric, Sucic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic; Ivanovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing both teams to score during this showdown looks well worthy of support at 4/5 on Boylesports.
As mentioned, this bet would have proven profitable when the pair crossed paths earlier in the campaign.
It's also worth noting that this bet would have paid out in four of the Czech Republic’s last six matches on home soil.
On a similar line of reasoning to the above, over 2.5 goals also catches the eye at even-money (1/1) on Boylesports.
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