Czech Republic vs Malta Predictions Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews for this International friendly clash. Czech Republic begin European Championship preparations with a Friday friendly against Malta in Austria. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Friendlies 1 | Jun 7, 2024 at 4.30pm UK at Markbygg Arena
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Czech Republic vs Malta Predictions
Czech Republic Set to Showcase Strength Against Malta in Pre-Euro 2024 Friendly
Key Stats
– The Czech Republic have an average of 1.5 goals per game in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
– Malta have failed to score in six of their last seven competitive matches.
– Patrik Schick has scored 18 goals for the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic will kick off their preparations for the upcoming European Championship with a friendly against Malta at the Untersberg-Arena in Austria on Friday. Ivan Hasek’s side are gearing up for their Euro 2024 opener against Portugal on June 18, while Malta are looking ahead to their return to competitive action in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Hasek, in his second spell as the Czech Republic head coach, has made a promising start with friendly victories over Norway and Armenia. Their recent 2-1 win against Armenia in March has set a positive tone as they approach Euro 2024, where they will compete in Group F alongside Portugal, Georgia, and Turkey. With high expectations to challenge Turkey for the second spot in the group, the Czechs will aim to build momentum in their friendlies against Malta and North Macedonia.
On the other hand, Malta, under Michele Marcolini, have endured a tough period, failing to qualify for Euro 2024 after losing all eight of their qualification matches. Despite this, Malta have shown some resilience in recent friendlies, drawing with Slovenia and Belarus. However, facing a significantly stronger Czech Republic side will be a major test.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Czech Republic: The Czech squad features several familiar faces, and Hasek is expected to utilise this friendly to give various players opportunities to impress. West Ham United’s Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek are likely to be in the starting XI, providing experience and stability in defence and midfield, respectively. Bayer Leverkusen duo Patrik Schick and Adam Hlozek are expected to lead the attack. Schick, with 18 international goals, is a key player for the Czechs, having scored 13 times in the Bundesliga last season.
Expected Lineup: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sadilek, Jurasek; Barak; Schick, Hlozek
Malta: Malta’s lineup will feature their captain, Steve Borg, who is set to earn his 78th cap. The defence will also include Enrico Pepe, with Matthew Guillaumier likely to play a central role in midfield. Up front, Kyrian Nwoko, who has four international goals, will lead the attack alongside Yannick Yankam and the Mbong brothers, Joseph and Paul.
Expected Lineup: Bonello; Attard, S Borg, Pepe, J Borg; Guillaumier, Yankam, Pisani; J Mbong, P Mbong, Nwoko
Tactical Analysis and Key Areas
The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the flow of the game. Tomas Soucek and Michal Sadilek will need to assert dominance over Malta’s midfield trio, particularly focusing on disrupting the rhythm of Guillaumier and Yankam. Czech Republic’s wing play, driven by Coufal and Jurasek, will be vital in stretching Malta’s defence, creating space for Schick and Hlozek to exploit.
In defence, the Czech backline must remain vigilant against Malta’s counter-attacks, particularly monitoring the pace of the Mbong brothers. Given the Czech Republic’s superior technical skills and experience, they are expected to control possession and apply constant pressure.
Gameplay Expectations
Czech Republic are likely to dominate possession, using their superior passing accuracy and tactical discipline to control the game. Their strategy will revolve around quick ball movement and utilising the flanks to create scoring opportunities. Malta, on the other hand, will adopt a more defensive approach, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
The Czech Republic’s xG statistics reveal a team proficient in creating high-quality scoring opportunities, averaging 1.5 goals per game. They have demonstrated the ability to convert chances effectively, with a balanced attack comprising goals from both inside and outside the box. Defensively, they have been solid, conceding just 0.8 goals per game on average.
Malta’s xG figures paint a different picture, with a low average of 0.3 goals per game, highlighting their struggles in front of goal. Their defensive record is also concerning, with 2.5 goals conceded per game, indicating potential vulnerabilities that the Czech side will likely exploit.
Managerial Critique
Ivan Hasek has successfully reinvigorated the Czech Republic team, implementing a tactical approach that maximises their strengths. His ability to blend experienced players with emerging talents has created a cohesive unit. However, his reliance on certain key players, such as Schick and Soucek, could be a potential weakness if they are not available.
Michele Marcolini faces a tougher challenge with Malta. While his emphasis on defensive organisation is clear, the team’s lack of offensive threat is a significant concern. Marcolini needs to find a way to improve their attacking play if they are to be competitive against stronger teams.
Suggestions for Improvement
For the Czech Republic, improving their defensive transitions will be crucial to avoid conceding on counter-attacks. Additionally, increasing the efficiency of their set pieces could provide an extra edge in tight matches.
Malta must focus on enhancing their offensive patterns and finishing abilities. Encouraging more creativity in the final third and improving their pressing game could help them compete better against higher-ranked teams.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Czech Republic: Strengths: Strong midfield control, effective wing play, clinical finishing, solid defensive structure. Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counter-attacks, reliance on key players for goals.
Malta: Strengths: Defensive organisation, resilience in friendlies. Weaknesses: Poor goal-scoring record, defensive frailties against stronger opposition, limited creativity.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score NO The Czech Republic are clear favourites, and considering Malta’s struggles in front of goal, a clean sheet for the Czechs is likely. The Czech defence has been robust, conceding just 0.8 goals per game, while Malta’s scoring record is poor.
Correct Score Prediction: Czech Republic 3-0 Malta Given the Czech Republic’s attacking prowess and Malta’s defensive vulnerabilities, a 3-0 scoreline seems a reasonable prediction. The Czechs have the quality to break down Malta’s defence multiple times.
Goalscorer Prediction: Patrik Schick to Score Anytime Patrik Schick, with his impressive scoring record, is a strong candidate to find the net. His positioning and finishing skills make him a constant threat, and he will be eager to add to his international tally.
First Half Result: Czech Republic Leading The Czech Republic are likely to start strong, aiming to assert dominance early. With their superior skill set and tactical approach, they should be leading by the end of the first half.
Innovative Market Prediction: Over 5.5 Corners for Czech Republic Considering the Czech Republic’s attacking style and their average of 5.1 corners per game, predicting over 5.5 corners for them seems logical. Their constant pressure and wing play are likely to generate multiple corner opportunities.
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