Preview: Czech Republic vs. Slovakia - predictions, team news, lineups

Czech Republic host Slovakia on Wednesday in League B Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League, with the hosts looking to gain promotion to League A and the visitors desperately aiming to avoid relegation into League C.

The two bordering nations, which were united as Czechoslovakia between 1918 and 1993, must both win in order to achieve their aforementioned aims, which could make for an entertaining spectacle.

Match preview

Czech Republic defeated Israel 1-0 on Sunday, with Hertha Berlin midfielder Vladimir Darida's early strike in the seventh minute proving to be the difference between the two sides.

It was only Darida's eighth goal for his country in 67 caps, but few could have been as decisive as the 30-year-old's well-placed finish from ten yards after a lightning-quick Czech counter-attack.

Hatem Abd Elhamed's red card in the 80th minute all but ensured that it is Jaroslav Silhavy's side who now head into their final Nations League match against Slovakia with a chance of overhauling Scotland to gain promotion to League A, helped by their forthcoming opponents defeating Steve Clarke's side earlier on Sunday.

Having won the last three meetings with their neighbours, including a 3-1 victory in September, Silhavy will be confident of keeping Scotland honest ahead of their trip to Israel.

It has been an excellent week for Slovakia, who overcame Northern Ireland 2-1 after extra time in last week's Euro 2020 qualifying playoff before defeating Scotland 1-0 on Sunday to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation into League C alive.

Juraj Kucka had given Slovakia the lead at Windsor Park before Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 87th minute, forcing the decider into extra time. With penalties looking inevitable, Michal Duris became a hero for life in his country as he turned Jonny Evans inside out before firing into the near post in the 110th minute to seal qualification.

With Scotland also booking qualification for Euro 2020 after extra time on the same evening, Sunday's subsequent meeting between the two sides was always likely to be a damp squib in comparison, especially with Clarke making seven changes to his first XI.

Jan Gregus's first-half strike ensured both sides have plenty to play for heading into their final matches, with the two nations potentially relying on a favour from each other in order to achieve their respective aims.

Czech Republic Nations League form: WLWLW Czech Republic form (all competitions): LWWLLW

Slovakia Nations League form: LDLLW Slovakia form (all competitions): DDLLWW

Team News

Zdenek Ondrasek, who scored the winner against England in a Euro 2020 qualifying match last year, was chosen to lead the line against Israel in Patrik Schick's injury enforced absence and may be handed another start in a must win match against Slovakia.

West Ham United duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal are likely to continue in the side, with Pavel Kaderabek and Ondrej Kudela unavailable due to coronavirus.

Slovakia boss Pavel Hapal is without FC Koln midfielder Ondrej Duda, with the 25-year-old's yellow card against Scotland earning him a suspension.

Defender Tomas Hubocan picked up a knock against Northern Ireland and is unlikely to be risked.

Czech Republic possible starting lineup: Vaclik; Coufal, Kalas, Brabec, Mateju; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Ondrasek

Slovakia possible starting lineup: Rodak; Pekarik, Satka, Skriniar, Mazan; Kucka, Hrosovsky, Lobotka, Hamsik, Gregus; Duris

We say: Czech Republic 2-1 Slovakia

Czech Republic have an excellent record against their neighbours and we expect that to continue on Wednesday, giving them a chance of being promoted to League A in the process.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data