An important clash in the quest to qualify for the World Cup this summer sees Czech Republic welcome the Republic of Ireland to the Fortuna Arena in Prague on Thursday night.
The winner will then play either Denmark or North Macedonia in Path D of the play-offs, and that game would then decide who can book their flights to Canada, Mexico and the United States.
In terms of their qualifying groups, Czechia finished second in Group L behind Croatia to book their play-off spot, while Ireland finished runners-up in Group F to Portugal.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert World Cup qualifying predictions!
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Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland key stats
- Czechia are unbeaten in nine home games in all competitions (W7, D2).
- Ireland have won just once in four away matches across all competitions (D1, L2).
- Czechia have won all three previous home H2Hs.
Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland preview: Czechs to break Irish hearts?
| Czechia | vs | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd (World Cup qualifying) | Position | 2nd (World Cup qualifying) |
| 16 | Points | 10 |
| 18 | Goals For | 9 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 7 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 2nd | Home Rank | 2nd |
| 2nd | Away Rank | 3rd |
Czechia finished where they would have expected to finish in qualifying, only behind Croatia who rank 11th in the world rankings compared to 43rd for them.
They have not qualified for a World Cup finals since 2006, but are the second-highest ranked nation in their pathway, so will feel that they have a strong chance.
Czechia have only scored 3+ goals in two internationals since October 2024.
Czechia would also have home advantage against Denmark or North Macedonia should they progress, which considering their strong home form, could also prove significant.
Nonetheless, they will fancy themselves to get past Ireland in front of their home support on Thursday.
The visitors have had an extra four years of waiting to qualify for their next World Cup, having last done so in 2002.
They will be underdogs here on away territory, and also rank 16 places below Czechia in the world rankings in 59th.
Ireland have kept one clean sheet in their last 10 away internationals.
Another bad omen for Ireland is that they have also never won in Czechia before, having been defeated in all three previous attempts.
However, they will hope that luck is on their side come the match, and in a one-off game, anything can happen.
Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland form guide & betting tips
| Czechia | vs | Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| D-D-L-W-W | Form | L-L-W-W-W |
| 9 | Goals For | 7 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 5 |
| D-L-W | World Cup qualifying form | W-W-W |
Whispers predicts: Czech Republic 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Given home advantage and their superior world ranking, it is not a surprise to see Czechia installed as the favourites with bookmakers.
We are happy to side with them here, and Czechia to win at 11/10 with AK Bets is our first pick.
However, Ireland are in-form, and could still cause the hosts plenty of problems.
BTTS - Yes at 19/20 with bet365 therefore also appeals to us.
In terms of potential goalscorers, Soucek has netted in his last two internationals, and so Tomas Soucek to score anytime at 5/1 with betway could also come through.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-1 win for Czechia, which is available at 8/1 with bookmakers.
> BTTS - Yes at 19/20 | Likelihood: Probable
> Czechia to win at 11/10 | Likelihood: Possible
> Tomas Soucek to score anytime at 5/1 | Likelihood: Outsider