These two sides had disappointing Euro 2016 campaigns by their own standards. World champions Germany lost in the semi-finals to hosts France whilst the Czech Republic finished bottom of Group D.
Despite a couple of retirements after the summer, Germany manager Joachim Low has managed to keep his core squad together, as well as adding in a couple of exciting young talents such as Max Meyer and Julian Brandt.
Die Mannschaft got their World Cup qualifying campaign to a good start with a 3-0 win away in Norway which puts them top of Group C. You would probably argue that Saturday’s opponents the Czech Republic are the next strongest team in the group which says a lot about the standard of it. If Germany do not top this group with a 100% record then it will probably be seen as a disaster by German fans.
In remaining unbeaten in home qualifiers (both Euro & WC) since 2007, incidentally a 3-0 loss against the Czech Republic, Germany have an excellent qualifying record in front of their own fans and it would appear as though they are set to extend this run further tonight.
After a poor campaign by the Czechs, many players have been ditched by new manager Karel Jarolím and there are ten players in the squad to face Germany who have under ten caps.
One of those players who has gone, although retired rather than dropped, is Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech. The 34-year-old was undoubtedly the Czech’s best player and could be relied upon to keep a clean sheet which meant positive results were much more likely. With Cech now departed, that goalkeeper spot is up for grabs, but a real lack of experience is glaringly evident. None of the three goalkeepers have over ten caps – not an ideal situation to when facing the world champions.
With such a great record at home, against questionable opposition, a German win is unavoidable here.
Firstly, I would go with a ‘Germany to Win to Nil’ at 17/20 with William Hill. The hosts easily should have the firepower to overcome their opponents with, whilst, with the Czech’s misfiring forward line which has just 13 goals between the four of them, I see no threat to a solid German defence.
Finally I would look at a ‘German to Win & Over 3.5 Goals’ at 8/5 with Bet365. With the Germans so good in forward areas, albeit without a top out-and-out striker, they should be putting this Czech side to the sword – especially with their inexperienced goalkeeper – and I think they could score the four goals required for this bet themselves. However, this market also means a surprise Czech Republic goal will not disrupt your winnings.
See more World Cup Qualifier tips here.