Czech Republic v Northern Ireland: Friendly betting preview & free tip

Football tips, best bets and predictions for the international friendly between Czech Republic and Northern Ireland.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football and Main Event, 6pm Monday

Best bet

Czech Republic
1pt 4-5 Betway, BoyleSports

Back this tip with bet365

Team news

Czech Republic
Michael Krmencik and Josef Husbauer could come into the starting line-up.

Northern Ireland
Vast changes are expected with Michael McGovern in contention to start. Matthew Kennedy could make his international debut.

Match preview

On the brink of a sensational upset, Northern Ireland relinquished a 1-0 lead away to Holland to lose 3-1 in Rotterdam on Thursday, all but ending their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2020.

They are out to 10-1 to finish in the top two in Group C and their best hope of making next summer's European Championship is likely to be through the playoffs.

Consequently, Michael O'Neill's men may be more interested in results elsewhere than their redundant friendly encounter with England's conquerors Czech Republic.

Northern Ireland are 24th in the Nations League rankings, meaning they require no more than four teams from Leagues C and D to qualify automatically if they are to land a playoff berth.

But it could take more than hopes of a playoff spot to lift the deflated group and they could be set for a third successive defeat in Prague after losing their last two group games to Germany and the Dutch.

O'Neill is expected to ring the changes with inexperienced players Tom Flanagan, Ciaron Brown and Jordan Thompson likely to get a chance along with goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

Wholesale changes must leave them vulnerable against a Czech side brimming with confidence.

Snapping England's 43-game unbeaten run in qualifiers made it four wins in Czech Republic's last five home matches.

Even if Jaroslav Silhavy also opts to rotate his squad, there are talented individuals such as Michael Krmencik and Josef Husbauer waiting in the wings to keep the feelgood factor going.

Key stat

Northern Ireland have failed to score in seven of their last ten away matches.

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