Czech Republic v Montenegro

• Both Czech Republic and Montenegro have won each of their two opening fixtures in the World Cup Qualifiers

• Czech Republic are now unbeaten in seven, having recorded five wins and two draws over this period

• Montenegro have won each of their last three, although they lost each of the seven previous to that run

• Montenegro lost to nil in four of their six matches in the Nations League this season
  

With the club season all wrapped up, Czech Republic turn their focus to a crucial third step in their World Cup qualifying campaign as they welcome Montenegro to the Doosan Aréna.

The hosts will go into this clash as favourites, ranking as the world's 39th best team according to FIFA, some way below 2nd, where they were situated not too long ago, in 2006.

The visitors, on paper, are comparatively weaker, ranking 73rd, although they’ve gotten off to a strong start, winning each of their opening two qualifying matches, as have the Czech's.

⭐ Czech Republic v Montenegro Predictions and Best Bets

Backing Czech Republic to win to nil is an enticing option at 2.0, given Montenegro’s poor offensive record. Friday’s visitors failed to find a way onto the scoresheet in four of their six Nations League matches this season, with Wales, Turkey, and Iceland (twice) all winning and keeping clean sheets against them. Czech Republic’s last clash yielded a 4-0 thumping of Gibraltar.

Back in action will be Patrik Schick, who's been priced generously at 2.10 to find a way onto the scoresheet. The striker is leading the way for goals in the European Qualifiers with three, having scored in both previous outings. His total of 21 goals in the Bundesliga this season trailed only Kane's, but his rate of 1.12 goals per 90 was the most of any player by some distance (Kane in second, averaging 0.92).

🔴 Czech Republic Rebuild Momentum After Euro Disappointment

Czech Republic's short-lived Euros campaign made for pretty dismal viewing, as they picked up just a single point, coming last in a group otherwise consisting of Georgia, Turkey, and Portugal.

That said, they’ve shown great spirit to bounce back, and now enter this clash off the back of a seven-game unbeaten run. They won five of those games, with the two draws coming against Albania and Ukraine.

Most recently, they ran rampant against Gibraltar, dominating 80% of possession, and firing off 29 shots, 12 of which were on target. They won 4-0 with the xG reading 4.47 to 0.01 in their favour.

⚪ Montenegro Encounter First Test Amid Fragile Revival

Montenegro failed to qualify for the Euros, but have gotten off to a strong start in the World Cup Qualifiers, winning both of their opening matches against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands.

It was the latter which took place most recently, as Montenegro edged out a 1-0 victory, requiring a 96th-minute winner to do so despite leading the xG battle 1.67-0.28.

That made it three wins from their last three across all competitions, having managed a 3-1 victory over Turkey in the Nations League to add to that.

Unfortunately, looking a bit further back, it becomes immediately apparent that things aren’t all well and good for Montenegro, who had recorded seven consecutive losses just before, against teams more in line with Czech Republic's standing.

📊 Czech Republic v Montenegro Head-to-Head Key Stats

These sides have met only five times on record, and unfortunately for fans of the visitors, the results have been nothing if not one-sided. Czech Republic have recorded victories in all five, conceding just one goal in the process.

Only three of those showings have unfolded since 2019, although that will be of little comfort to Montenegro, given that those matches were the worst of the lot, with the Czech's winning by a three-goal margin in each.

The last time we were treated to a clash between these sides was a friendly which took place in June of 2023. On that occasion, Czech Republic reigned victorious in a confident 4-1 thumping.

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

Andy's Bet Club is packed full of Expert Football Tips, such as our Team to Score Accumulator Tips. We also have an easy-to-use Bet Builder Stats tool to help you conduct your own research. Look out for the latest Gem Bets and Club World Cup Predictions on ABC this week.

For Friday's slate, we also have a Goals Algorithm Accumulator, Win Treble, and Wales v Leichtenstein Betting Tips, as well as Quick Preview coverage for Scotland v Iceland, Norway v Italy, and Gibraltar v Croatia.

When backing our tips, you'll want to be doing so on the Top Bet Builder Sites and Best UK Sports Betting Sites. We also track the best offers, such as the Paddy Power Sign Up Offer and Betfair Sign Up Offer. You can check out the latest New Bookmaker Offers, too.

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.