Slovakia and Czech Republic go head to head in Bratislava on Friday evening as both nations look to end a 10-month break from action with a win.
With Scotland and Israel completing Group B1, all four teams will know that any dropped points could prove crucial when it comes to promotion and relegation.
Match preview
© Reuters
While Czech Republic are now lacking the high-profile names of years gone by, Jaroslav Silhavy ensured that his nation were still able to qualify for the European Championship for the seventh time in a row.
However, despite their underdog status in that competition, they are regarded as the favourites to progress from Group B2, which would earn promotion to the top tier of the competition.
Although Silhavy will not feel that his job is at risk if they do not finish above Slovakia, Scotland and Israel, he will acknowledge that momentum is everything if they want to make an impact next summer.
As it stands, they have plenty of that after recording a famous win over England as recently as October, denying the Three Lions the chance to qualify with a 100% record.
That performance alone will be enough for Silhavy to have faith in this group of players, but he will want more consistency from a side who have since lost to Northern Ireland and Bulgaria.
While Czech Republic can focus on this competition for the next three months, Slovakia's priority will be on coming through the Euro 2020 playoffs, starting with a game against Republic of Ireland.
Two defeats to Croatia and a failure to beat Wales at home contributed to their downfall with regards to automatic progress, but Pavel Hapal will still believe that his close-knit squad have enough about them to record some important results from now through to November.
Just two wins have come from their last half-a-dozen matches, although Hapal would have also taken heart from a credible draw in a friendly against Paraguay.
Although much responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Marek Hamsik, Hapal will hope that the emergence of young forward Robert Bozenik can help his side move to the next level.
Slovakia form (all competitions): LWDDLW
Czech Republic form (all competitions): LWWLWL
Team News
© Reuters
Having helped Fulham earn promotion to the Premier League, consideration will be given to Marek Rodak being handed a debut in the absence of the injured Martin Dubravka.
Aside from the Newcastle United stopper, Slovakia are at full strength, with Robert Mak back in contention after serving a one-match suspension.
At a time when he is expected to complete a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, Patrik Schick will lead the line for Czech Republic.
Barring any late fitness issues, there is not expected to be any surprise selections, with Lukas Masopust likely getting the nod over Michael Krmencík
Slovakia possible starting lineup:
Rodak; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Hamsik; Rusnak, Bozenik, Mak
Czech Republic possible starting lineup:
Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Brabec, Bonl; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
We say: Slovakia 1-2 Czech Republic
On the back of qualification for Euro 2020, Czech Republic have to be the marginal favourites here. Slovakia have made home advantage count in their favour in the past, but we are backing a late triumph for the visitors.
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Slovakia win with a probability of 41.33%. A win for Czech Republic had a probability of 32.66% and a draw had a probability of 26%.
The most likely scoreline for a Slovakia win was 1-0 with a probability of 10.06%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (8.75%) and 2-0 (7.12%). The likeliest Czech Republic win was 0-1 (8.74%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.36%). The actual scoreline of 1-3 was predicted with a 3.1% likelihood.
Portugal
Croatia
Scotland
Poland
France
Italy
Belgium
Israel
Germany
Netherlands
Hungary
Bosnia H'vina
Spain
Denmark
Serbia
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Georgia
Albania
England
Greece
Rep. Ireland
Finland
Norway
Austria
Slovenia
Kazakhstan
Wales
Turkey
Iceland
Montenegro
Sweden
Slovakia
Estonia
Azerbaijan
Romania
Kosovo
Cyprus
Lithuania
N. Ireland
Bulgaria
Belarus
Luxembourg
N. Macedonia
Armenia
Faroe Islands
Latvia
San Marino
Gibraltar
Liechtenstein
Moldova
Malta
Andorra
