CZECH REPUBLIC v SPAIN
Football : Europe : Euro 2012 Qualifier
Friday, October 7th, 2011, 7:45PM GMT

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PREVIEW

Group I action here, as leaders Spain take on the Czech Republic. There are questions as to how Spain will approach this match, as they have already qualified for the tournament next year. The Czechs can still qualify, but they must beat the reigning World and European champions to do so. They have the best chance they are going to get, with the game played at home, and the Spaniards perhaps not all that bothered.

The Czech Republic will be confident, because they have not lost any of their last 6 home matches, winning 5 of them. Michal Bilek will want to do the best he can with his team, because in their last match they must travel to Lithuania on Tuesday. A draw here is the least he will want.

Now here are some interesting stats. In their last 6 visits to play the Czechs, Spain have never managed to win! They have 5 losses in that time. However, they have not lost any of their last 25 qualifying matches, winning their last 20! And in winning all their 6 qualifying matches for Euro 2012, Spain have banged in 21 goals. Thats over 3 a game!

Michal Bilek has a full strength team and will no doubt pick his strongest side here, with ex-Liverpool striker Milan Baros heading the attack. Also in the team are Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky, as well as Chelsea's Petr Cech in goal.

Vicente del Bosque will be resting Cesc Fabregas and Iniesta but has said he will not roll over in this one, something that would greatly upset Scotland, who are 2 points behind the Czech Republic and play Spain next.

Bosque will probably include Juan Mata, David Villa as well as Fernando Torres in his team, and you've got to think they will find a way to conjure up a goal or two in 90 minutes. If anything, I expect the players afforded a chance to play because some of the top players are rested will be eager to put in a performance that makes sure they are selected in the next match too!

BETTING VERDICT

Spain have scored 10 goals in their 3 away matches so far, again over 3 a match. In the last match these 2 played, David Villa scored to cancel out Plasil's opener and something tells me we might see something very similar happen again as the Czechs go for the win, and Spain play to maintain their unbeaten qualifying streak.

I'll take both teams to net in a match that may well end in a draw again.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Both Teams To Score

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Both Teams To Score @ 1.83 (Bet365)