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Wales head to Czech Republic knowing a win would give them a great chance of finishing 2nd in Group E of World Cup 2022 Qualifying. The two sides are tied on just seven points but Wales have played a game fewer than the Czechs who will have two left after Friday.
However, if things don’t go to plan for Robert Page’s team here then they will be facing an uphill task and two must-win matches next up with Belgium heading to town on the final day. The Czechs have got both of their games against the Red Devils out the way and will fancy themselves to get maximum points from their remaining fixtures.
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Friday 7.45pm: Czech Republic v Wales
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So what chance do Wales have? They’re missing the talismanic Gareth Bale for this and the Estonia game in what is a huge blow. However, Aaron Ramsey is back after missing the September fixtures.
Kieffer Moore also returns as does Ethan Ampadu, Neco Williams and David Brooks, so it’s not all bad. This is a must-not lose game for the Welsh, but can they get a result in the Czech Republic? Let’s construct a Bet Builder and see if we can find out.
* A Bet Builder on these four best bets pays at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Double Chance: Wales to Win or Draw
Wales always seem to just about get the result they need when the pressure is really, really on. They’ve been overperforming for years and with World Cup qualification so close I think we’ll see them at their dogged best. They’re underdogs in the match betting and I think there’s value in backing Wales to Win or Draw Double Chance.
It will be a tough ask to win without Bale but I wouldn’t put it past them. I think a draw is the most likely outcome but I wouldn’t be surprised if Moore popped up with a vital goal before the Welsh put on one of their defensive masterclasses.
This will be low-scoring and unbearably tight. The Czechs don’t exactly rack up the goals and the last time they scored more than one was five games back when they shocked The Netherlands at Euro 2020. At a nice enough price though, I’m taking on Wales Double Chance and that punt will keep us in the mix right up to the final whistle.
Under 2.5 Goals
And that leads us nicely on to Under 2.5 Goals. As hinted, the home side don’t score loads, though they have scored in six of their last eight games. The game before that was a 1-0 loss to Wales. Over those nine games they’ve scored eight goals, an average of just under one a game.
Wales don’t score many either, in their last eight games, going back to that win over their opponents here, they’ve scored just seven, also just under a goal a game. Crucially Unders has landed in six of Wales’ last eight and seven of the Czech’s last nine. Perfect Bet Builder fodder.
Daniel James to have 1 or More Shots on Target
If Wales are to get out of this with a win then you’d expect Moore to be absolutely vital. The Cardiff forward hasn’t been in barn-storming form though, with just one goal from 13 Championship appearances. There’s better value in backing Daniel James to Have 1 or More Shots on Target.
I’m expecting Wales to be under significant pressure and look to hit the home side on the break. Their best chance of success from that plan is to use the pace of James and you can just see him getting through and having a gilt-edged chance. Whether he takes it or not is another question altogether.
Patrik Schick to to Have 2 or More Shots on Target
If the hosts are to win then Patrik Schick is the key component. With the Czechs playing in front of their own fans we can expect them to do most of the running and dominate possession and position from the off. With Wales having a game in hand, the Czechs will be desperate to win and put some daylight between themselves and Page’s team.
Schick was one of the stars of the Euros but I think he’s facing a real battle against an undoubtedly fired-up Wales defence. He’s in fearsome form though and has six goals in nine games for Bayer Leverkusen this term, racking up 28 shots in that time. Don’t be surprised to see Patrik Schick to to Have 2 or More Shots on Target and a very busy Wales defensive unit.
Czech Republic v Wales Bet Builder
Wales Win or Draw Double Chance
Under 2.5 Goals
Daniel James to have 1 or More Shots on Target
Patrik Schick to to Have 2 or More Shots on Target
* A Bet Builder on these four best bets pays at approximately 26/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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If one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
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