Sports Mole previews Monday’s International Friendlies clash between Czech Republic and Saudi Arabia, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Czechia have made a solid start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, but they now turn their attention to a different kind of test as they welcome Saudi Arabia to the Malsovicka Arena this Monday night.
While the Czechs have an opportunity to experiment, the Saudis will be hoping to build some much-needed momentum ahead of October’s World Cup qualifiers.
Match preview
Czechia are powering towards their first World Cup since 2006, with the team currently sitting top of their qualification group.
Ivan Hasek’s side have won four of their five group games, getting the better of the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar and Montenegro (twice). They have also scored 10 goals across those matches.
Their only slip up during their qualification campaign came last June, when a trip to Croatia ended in a disastrous 5-1 defeat – their sole defeat in 10 games.
Czechia have not played in a friendly for over a year, meaning Monday’s game will give the team a rare opportunity to experiment ahead of another big year.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, failed to secure automatic qualification for the next 2026 World Cup and now face more obstacles in order to book their ticket.
Legendary coach Herve Renard has been drafted back in order to navigate those obstacles, starting with October’s two qualifying matches against Indonesia and Iraq.
The Saudis have made appearances at the last two World Cups, including an unforgettable 2022 tournament run which saw them topple eventual winners Argentina.
The Arabian Falcons, who are now setting their sights on the 2026 event, picked up a 2-1 win over North Macedonia in a friendly game last Thursday. They will now be looking for successive victories when they travel to Czechia.
Czech Republic form (all competitions):
W W W W L W
Saudi Arabia form (all competitions):
L W L D L W
Team News
Czechia midfielder Vaclav Cerny came off the bench against Montenegro and put on an impressive display. The Besiktas player also got a goal, which could put him in contention for a spot in the starting line up against Saudi Arabia.
Matej Kovar, who has not played for Czechia since conceding five goals against Croatia, could get another shot in goal.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, are building towards their huge qualifying games in October, meaning they are likely to field a strong side.
Al Buraikan scored his 12th international goal against North Macedonia on Thursday, and he is expected to keep his spot in the team.
Al Hamdan, who also scored in that game after coming off the bench, could be given a rare start.
Czech Republic possible starting lineup: Kovar; Dudera, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Cerv; Cerny, Sulc, Provod; Schick
Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup: Al Sanbi; Al Harbi, Tambakti, Sulaiman, Al Nasser; Al Juwayr, Al Khaibari, Kanno; Al Hamdan, Al Buraikan, Abu Al Shamat
We say: Czech Republic 1-1 Saudi Arabia
Czechia have enjoyed a strong run of form in recent months, and they will be a tough side to break down – especially at home.
Saudi Arabia need a confidence-boosting results and we expect the team to put on a good showing. With that in mind, we are backing a tightly contested draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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