This matchup features the top two teams in Group L, both sitting comfortably six points ahead of the rest of the field. With such a gap, this clash is effectively to determine who secures direct qualification for next summer’s World Cup.

Czechia’s campaign has been anything but dull. They’ve come out on top in four of their five fixtures, with a total of 17 goals scored across those games (an average of 3.4 per match). Two of those matches saw both teams score, including their heavy 5-1 loss away to Croatia.

That result highlights a notable quality gap not only between Croatia and Czechia, but also between these two and the group’s lower-ranked sides like the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, and Malta.

Their previous encounter generated a combined expected goals (xG) of 5.02, suggesting we could be in for another high-scoring affair. In fact, the only goal Croatia have conceded in qualifying so far came against Czechia, making them the only side capable of seriously challenging Croatia’s otherwise dominant run.

Interestingly, both teams have found the net in each of their last four meetings dating back to 2011.

This is an important game for both sides in what looks to be a very competitive group, which also features Denmark and Belarus. 

No side has managed to win their opening two games in the group, further highlighting how well-matched this qualifying group is. Belarus are a cut below the other sides vying for a spot at the World Cup next summer but the other three are all in with a chance of featuring on the big stage next year. 

Greece’s two games in qualifying so far have produced nine goals (4.5 per game). They saw BTTS in one of these games, which was their 5-1 win over Belarus in their first qualifying match. They were second best against Denmark in their most recent qualifying game as Denmark registered a 3-0 away win over Greece. 

Denmark are likely to increase their grip on the group, which leaves Scotland and Greece in a dog fight for second spot. Greece tend to be quite a forward-thinking side so they should take the game to Scotland here, prompting a response from Steve Clarke’s side, who will see this as a must-win.