Having experienced contrasting fortunes in the World Cup Qualifying Play-Off semi-finals, Wales host Czech Republic at Cardiff City Stadium in an international friendly.
With their place in the Path A Play-Off Final now assured, Wales know that this is the perfect chance to test themselves again ahead of a packed round of fixtures in June, which is likely to feature that particular Play-Off Final plus UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Czech Republic meanwhile need a win to ensure that they head into their UEFA Nations League campaign on a positive note.
Team News
Ben Davies won’t be available for Wales after withdrawing from the squad following Thursday’s Path A Play-Off semi-final victory over Austria.
Czech Republic have no fresh injury concerns to report after losing their Path B Play-Off semi-final tie away to Sweden in extra time last Thursday.
Stat Attack
- Wales drew 0-0 in their only previous international friendly meeting against Czech Republic (D1).
- Czech Republic have failed to score away against Wales in three previous meetings in all competitions (D2, L1).
- Two of Wales’ three previous home games against Czech Republic have finished goalless.
- Wales have scored just once in one of their last four friendly fixtures (W1, D2, L1), 1-0 win over Mexico in March 2021.
- Czech Republic has scored 11 goals in their last three international friendlies (W2, D1).
Prediction
Having fought their way past Austria with a clinical display in which they took their chances and defended stubbornly against immense pressure, Wales should view this clash as a chance to build upon that performance heading into a potentially packed period of fixtures in June.
Czech Republic meanwhile were just outclassed by a clinical strike in their defeat against Sweden in an extremely close-fought contest, yet can take heart from their display because they did fight hard with spirit throughout but just lacked the clinical edge.
On that note, I definitely anticipate the first goal to be key because both teams clearly can be stubbornly defensive, which should make for an entertaining battle but a draw would be a fair result with the visitors perhaps getting their first goal in Wales.
Prediction: Wales 1-1 Czech Republic
Result: Wales 1-1 Czech Republic
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