Czech Republic vs Malta (live) Match Preview

Czech Republic vs Malta (live) Match Preview Plzen, Czech Republic - The Czech Republic will host Malta on Friday evening aiming to record their first three points of the campaign. The visitors, however, will be hoping to frustrate the Czechs and take an unlikely point, possibly all three. It's no shock to see the bookies have priced up the Czech Republic as heavy favourites for this Group A clash. The home side are available at a measly 1/12 with coral, they are generally 1/20 elsewhere. The draw is chalked up at 12/1 with bet365 and the unlikely scenario of a Maltese win is 33/1 at betfred. The Czech coach, Michal Bilek has never been a popular choice as manager and his position, yet again, has come under scrutiny following a four game winless streak that has seen no goals scored. The Czech's problem is finding a replacement for the recently retired Milan Baros. In simple terms, they lack a goal threat. Malta are undoubtedly the whipping boys of Group A. But their performances so far have been respectable, losing 1-0 at home to Armenia and losing 2-0 in Italy. Which indicates Friday's clash will not be a cricket score against a goal shy Czech side lacking form. Given the poor odds on show in the 90 minute market it seems to be a wise move to look at the correct scores. The two scores which spring to mind are 2-0 and 3-0 victories for the hosts -- which are priced up at 6/1 and 5/1 respectively with coral and represent much better value. You can name your price for any kind of Maltese win; they are a whopping 66/1 to win 1-0 with bet victor. The Over 2.5 Goals market is pointing towards a high scoring game. You can back over 2.5 goals at 4/9 with skybet or those who fancy under 2.5 goals can back it at a price of 7/4 with paddy power. For the reasons already stated I would err on the side of caution when backing goals, under 3.5 goals is priced up at 4/6 with paddy power and looks a safe bet. With Petr Cech in goal for Michal Bilek's men and the lack of goals at the other end I would anticipate no more than three goals maximum. The game well be held at the Doosan Arena in Plzen (which holds 12,000) and shouldn't create such an intimidating atmosphere for the Maltese players. Infact, the home fans are likely to vent their frustration if no early goals are scored for the Czech's. The half time/full time market's are again heavily weighted in the Czech Republic favour. Coral offer a standout price of 11/2 on a Draw/Czech Republic outcome that has some appeal but they go as little as 1/7 on a Czech Republic /Czech Republic result. Michal Bilek knows that the upcoming home double header (Malta/Bulgaria) must yield six points otherwise his task of reaching Brazil in 2014 will be that little bit harder. The match between Czech Republic and Malta kicks off at 5pm GMT (6pm CET).