Preview:Montenegro vs Czech Republic - prediction, team news, lineups

Montenegro play host to Czech Republic in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday looking for the win that would see them move level on points with the visitors in Group L

While Czech Republic currently possess a three-point lead in first place, Montenegro hold a game in hand.

Match preview

Across their last 10 games, Montenegro have won just the two matches, suffering a total of seven defeats during a period against teams who they were supposed to be suitably matched.

On the positive side, however, the two victories in question have come in World Cup qualifying, Montenegro registering expected triumphs over Gibraltar and Faroe Islands.

Having required a 96th-minute goal to prevail past the latter by a 1-0 scoreline, Robert Prosinecki's team are clearly not in the best of form.

Nevertheless, it has kept Montenegro in the hunt for a top-two spot in Group L, even having suffered a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture against Friday's opponents.

Czech Republic coasted to success on that occasion, establishing a 2-0 lead by the 63rd-minute mark and going on to keep a clean sheet.

That result extended Montenegro's losing streak in matches against Czech Republic to six across a 14-year period since their first-ever contest.

In sharp contrast, Czech Republic were on an eight-match unbeaten run before they suffered a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Croatia in June.

Ivan Hasek's side had been on level terms on the hour, only for their hosts and group favourites to storm clear during the closing 30 minutes in Osijek.

As a result, Czech Republic only hold a three-point lead over Montenegro in this group, having played a game more and with just a +2 superior goal difference.

Therefore, the door has been left ajar for Montenegro to take advantage, albeit it feeling imperative that they record maximum points when they still have a double-header with Croatia to come.

Montenegro World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

W W L

Czech Republic World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

W W W L

Team News

Montenegro will be forced into at least two changes from the June meeting between these sides with goalkeeper Igor Nikic and defender Marko Vesovic missing out through injury.

Danijel Petkovic could get the nod between the sticks, while Marko Vucevic is in line to start at right wing-back, providing that Prosinecki sticks with a back three.

As for Czech Republic, a change will be made at right-back with Vladimir Coufal not part of this squad.

Tomas Holes could switch to that position with Martin Vitik coming into the middle of the backline, but the remainder of the side may stay the same even after the 5-1 reverse to Croatia.

Lukas Cerv is an alternative for central midfield if Hasek insists on making a further change with Michal Sadilek potentially dropping out.

Montenegro possible starting lineup:

Petkovic; Savic, Vujacic, Sipcic; Vucevic, Jankovic, Kuc, Radunovic; Vukotic, Jovetic; Krstovic

Czech Republic possible starting lineup:

Kovar; Holes, Vitik, Krejci, Zeleny; Sadilek, Soucek; Cerny, Sulc, Provod; Schick

We say: Montenegro 1-2 Czech Republic

Although Czech Republic have suffered defeat in this group, we cannot ignore that they have already overcome Montenegro in convincing style. With that in mind, we are backing the visitors to edge their way to victory in what could prove to be the pivotal game with regards to qualification.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.