As mentioned in my previous tip on Norway v Germany, there could be an interesting battle for second spot in Group C with both Czech Republic and Northern Ireland likely to be involved.
The Czechs were a major disappointment at Euro 2016, failing to win a single game and even losing their final match against Turkey, who themselves were in complete disarray.
Since then former head coach Pavel Vrba has left and taken over at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala whilst many of the senior players have now retired. New manager Karel Jarolim has selected younger players in the hope of revitalising the team following the disastrous Euro campaign.
The Czech Republic have had little trouble qualifying for the Euros since becoming an independent nation in 1993. However, World Cup qualification is a totally different story with the Czechs last making the tournament a decade ago in 2006. It will be very difficult for them to break this unwanted run in a tough-looking Group C.
Euro 2016 saw Northern Ireland take part in a major tournament for the first time since 1986. Now that Norn Iron have had a taste of what it is like to play at these competitions, they have more desire than ever before to make qualification a regular occurrence.
Michael O’Neill’s side seem to enjoy coming up against the big players in European football. They were considered to be in the ‘Group of Death’ at Euro 2016 alongside Germany, Poland and Ukraine but still managed to come through. This difficult World Cup qualification group could actually be a good thing for Northern Ireland and they will relish the challenge.
The Green and White Army have a habit of picking up results in big games and I think they will do the same here. A win for them is priced at a ridiculously high 19/4 which is certainly worth a shot. Furthermore, I would even back them to win to nil at 13/2. The Czech’s do not seem to have much in forward areas whilst Michael O’Neill’s side pride themselves on their excellent defence before punishing teams with their opportunities at the other end.
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