FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Czechia vs Ireland - Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

Troy Parrott scored a hat-trick to beat Hungary 3-2 away in Ireland’s last qualifier, and that result changed everything about how I see this tie. A month ago I’d have backed Czechia comfortably. Now I’m not so sure. 

Ireland arrive in Prague on Friday morning New Zealand time for this FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final with confidence that’s rare for a side who haven’t been to a World Cup since 2002. Czechia are favourites and they’re at home, but Ireland have genuine momentum. 

In this Czechia vs Ireland preview, I look at why goals could flow in both directions and where both teams to score at around $1.80 offers value on the best betting sites.

Czechia

Czechia finished second in qualifying Group L behind Croatia. They won five of eight matches, including a 6-0 hammering of Gibraltar in their final game. But they also lost 2-1 to the Faroe Islands away, which has rightfully raised some questions about their consistency.

Patrik Schick is their biggest goal threat. The Leverkusen striker missed time through injury but returned off the bench against Bayern Munich and featured in their Champions League tie with Arsenal. He should be fit to start. Tomas Soucek of West Ham and Ladislav Krejci of Wolves add more top-level experience.

Their home record in Prague is strong and the Fortuna Arena will be loud. But their qualifying group was soft - Croatia aside, they faced Gibraltar, Montenegro and the Faroe Islands. I’m not fully convinced they have the creativity to unpick a well-drilled Irish defence.

Team News: Schick is fit and Sulc has recovered from a hamstring issue, so there’s a full squad available for this match.

Predicted Lineup: Kovar; Coufal, Hranac, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Provod; Sulc, Karabec, Doudera; Schick.

Republic of Ireland

Ireland head into this fixture off the back of three straight wins, outscoring their opponents 6-2. Their 3-2 victory away in Hungary was the standout - Parrott scored all three and looked unplayable. Before that, they beat Portugal 2-0 at home in Dublin, arguably the best result of the entire European qualifying campaign.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has found a system that suits this squad. It’s direct, aggressive in transition, and uses Parrott, Chiedozie Ogbene and Finn Azaz on the break. Ireland concede the ball willingly and strike when opportunity arises - an approach well suited to an away playoff.

The 2002 generation is the last Irish squad to reach a World Cup, and at 37, Seamus Coleman may be playing his last international matches. There’s plenty of motivation here.

Team News: Bazunu is expected to be fit. No major absences reported. Full squad available for Hallgrimsson.

Predicted Lineup: Bazunu; Coleman, Collins, Scales, Brady; Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Azaz, Szmodics; Parrott.

• Ireland have won their last three competitive matches, outscoring opponents 6-2.
• Czechia won five of eight qualifiers but their group didn’t include any top-20 ranked sides besides Croatia.
• Troy Parrott has scored five goals in his last two international appearances.
• Czechia scored 18 goals across their eight qualifying matches.
• These two sides last met in a competitive fixture in 2012, a 1-1 draw in Dublin.

This is the hardest semi-final to call. Czechia are marginal favourites and home advantage in Prague counts for something. But Ireland’s form is better, their confidence is sky-high, and Parrott is in the kind of scoring run that can carry a team through a tournament.

I think this goes the distance. Czechia will have more of the ball but Ireland are dangerous on the counter, and Parrott can punish any lapse. Schick gives Czechia a focal point and Soucek is always a threat from set pieces, so I don’t expect Ireland to keep a clean sheet either.

I’m going 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Ireland potentially nicking it in extra time. But for the regular-time bet, I like both teams to score. If you’re after football expert tips for the playoffs, this is the semi-final where the underdog has the best realistic chance of going through.

Both Teams to Score @ $1.80

Czechia have scored in every home qualifier this campaign. Ireland have scored in their last six competitive matches and Parrott is on fire, as I’ve mentioned about 20 times already. Both defences have shown vulnerability - Czechia lost to the Faroe Islands, Ireland conceded twice in Budapest despite winning.

At $1.80, both teams to score looks like the safest entry point in a match that should be tight but not goalless. For anyone looking at sign up bonus sites ahead of the playoffs, this is a good market to start with.