Overview
The Czech Republic is currently ranked second in Group L with 13 points after 7 matches, including 4 wins, one draw and two losses. Despite being 4 points behind the leading team Croatia, they still have a big advantage in the race for a place in the play-off round before the final match.
The goal difference of +4 - scoring 12 goals and conceding 8 goals - shows that this team has the ability to create opportunities and score quite consistently, although the problems in defense still exist. Recent form, with two wins, two draws and one loss in five games in all competitions, reflects a team that has played solidly but has not really exploded.
The home team entered this match in good spirits after a 1-0 friendly victory over San Marino. This result helped them reassure fans after a disappointing 1-2 defeat to the Faroe Islands in the previous qualifying round.
Interim coach Jaroslav Kostl, who led the team in the match against San Marino, will continue to coach in this key period. The Czech Republic will aim to preserve the play-off ticket.
With Croatia securing the top spot and qualifying for the knockout round, the Czech Republic's task is to maintain second place in the group. With 13 points, they are temporarily ahead of the Faroe Islands - a team that has played all 8 matches and has 12 points. A victory will help the Czech Republic widen the gap and increase their chances of advancing to the play-off round.
Home form continues to be a big support for this team, with two wins and a draw in 3 qualifying matches at Andruv Stadium.
Gibraltar's story is completely opposite, as they are at the bottom of Group L with 0 points after 7 matches and have been officially eliminated from the race for a ticket to the World Cup.
This is a disastrous campaign. They have only scored 3 goals, conceded 22 times, had no draws or wins, and had no hope to turn things around.
In their most recent match, Scott Wiseman's side suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Montenegro.
Their away record is no less bad, with 3 consecutive losses. The defense that was once considered a mainstay of Gibraltar is now easily penetrated, leading to heavy defeats against stronger opponents.
The history of the confrontation also does not bring any optimism to Gibraltar. The only previous meeting between the two teams ended with a 4-0 victory of the Czech Republic away from home, reflecting a clear difference in class between the two sides.
Gibraltar have now lost nine in a row, failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 games, and have also failed to win in their last 12 appearances. All of this signals a challenging night awaiting the visitors.
Personnel situation
Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is expected to return to the starting lineup of the home team. The striker has scored three goals in his last two club appearances.
Interim coach Kostl is likely to continue to put his faith in the pillars, including Vladimir Coufal at right-back and Tomas Soucek in the midfield lead role.
On the other side, with pride as the only remaining target, Gibraltar are almost certain to keep their familiar approach, although Louie Annesley will be absent due to suspension.
Jaylan Hankins continued to secure the goal in the final match of the qualifying campaign.
Expected lineup:
Czech Republic: Kovar, Coufal, Vitik, Zeleny, Jemelka, Cerv, Soucek, Cerny, Sulc, Kusej, Schick.
Gibraltar: Hankins, Jessop, Lopes, Ronan, Jolley, Mauro, Bent, Torilla, scanlon, Borge, Pozo.
The match between the Czech Republic and Gibraltar takes place at 2:45 am on November 18 (Vietnam time).
