Czech Republic - Moldova predictions and free betting tips [20/11/2023]

On Monday, the 20th of November, as part of the 10th round of the Euro-2024 qualifying tournament, the Czech Republic will face off against Moldova's national team. Just two points separate the rivals, currently placed second and fourth in Group E; hence, the outcome of their face-off will determine their fate in securing a spot in the continental championship.

Predicted Line-up

The Czech Republic: Stanek; Zima, Brabec, Holes; Coufal, Sadliek, Soucek, Doudera; Provod; Cvancara, Hlozek.
Moldova: Railean; Posmac, Baboglo, Craciun; Cojocaru, Rata, Motpan, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Nicolaescu, Postolachi.

Stadium

The match will take place in Olomouc at the Andruv Stadium.

Czech Republic

Having secured 12 points after 7 rounds, the Czech Republic ranks 2nd in the group E standings, trailing behind Albania by 2 points and leading their upcoming rivals by the same difference. In September, the Czechs did not perform very well against Albania (1:1), before drawing with Hungary in a friendly (1:1). Last month, they suffered a heavy defeat against the red-and-blacks (3:0), then edged past the Faroe Islands by a minimal margin (1:0).

On Friday night, the hosts crushed Poland's final hopes of making it to the top two, drawing 1:1 away thanks to a goal by Tomas Soucek after the break. Therefore, their only victory in their last five encounters was a minimal one over the Faroe Islands. Striker Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen, 35 matches, 18 goals) continues to suffer from serious physical problems and was not called up for the November camp. 

Moldova

After many qualifying campaigns during which Moldova had little impact on the final standings, the team has performed more than commendably in Group E, currently occupying 4th place but trailing its rivals by just 2 points. A victory on Monday would mean qualifying for Euro-2024 - a first in the history of the country's independence.

Enjoying a run of official matches without defeat since June, the visitors triumphed over Poland (3:2), before securing a victory in the Faroe Islands (0:1). Last month, the Moldovans were defeated by Sweden in a friendly match (3:1), followed by holding Poland to a draw (1:1). On Friday night, they secured a point in a match against the group leader - Albania (1:1). 

Previous Encounters

In March of this year, the teams battled it out to a 0:0 draw in Kishinev. Prior to this, the Czechs had secured victories on both occasions.

Match Prediction: Czech Republic - Moldova

The Moldova team, having secured a home draw against Albania, deserves respect as they stand a chance to qualify for the Euro finals for the first time in their history. However, despite all respect for the visitors, such a scenario seems unlikely. The superiority in class and experience of the Czech Republic will be the deciding factor, and the hosts will certainly not be without the support of their home fans. My prediction is a victory for the favourite with a handicap of -1.5.

Total Forecast

The Czech team will surely want to delight home fans with plenty of goals in their final match of 2023, so we place our bets on the individual host total of more than 2.

Corner Prediction

The hosts significantly outclass the rivals and are yet to secure their place at the Euro, which means that the Czechs will win in all key aspects, including corners (handicap -2.5).

Yellow Card Prediction

Giving the high stakes of this match from a tournament perspective, the referee will likely have to show at least 4 yellow cards - emotions on the field will be running high.

Score Prediction

I'm betting on an exact score of 3:1 in favour of the Czech Republic team.