It will be Scotland’s first game in a major tournament since a 3-0 loss to Morocco at the 1998 World Cup.

Steve Clarke’s side will want to prove a point to the doubters with a strong performance against the Czechs.

Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson’s performances will be important to the side that fields both left-backs.

Furthermore, their double left-back system will help them to press high up the pitch and start counters in the attacking third.

Scott McTominay will help to shore up the defence and also bring the ball into the attacking third through the middle of the pitch.

In addition, John McGinn will play behind Scotland’s two strikers and provide passe and runs into the box.

The Czech Republic will set out to nullify Scotland’s high-intensity approach and slow the game down when off the ball.

West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek will be instrumental in this as he will go for every aerial duel.

His clubmate, Vladimir Coufal, will play up high on the right flank and move the ball into the final third.

Soucek’s heading ability will be important as any crosses attempted will need a strong connection.

Vladimir Darida and Patrik Schick will work together to link the attacking four together and create big chances.

Adam Hlozek will be a danger to the Scottish defence if he is given the chance.

This will be a close game, as highlighted by their previous encounters before Euro 2020.

Predicted Lineups

Scotland (5-2-1-2): David Marshall; Stephen O’Donnell, Liam Cooper, Grant Hanley, Kieran Tierney, Andrew Robertson; Scott McTominay, Stuart Armstrong; John McGinn; Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams.

Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Jiri Pavlenka; Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Kalas, Ondrej Celutska, Jan Boril; Alex Kral, Tomas Soucek; Lukas Masopust, Vladimir Darida, Jakub Jankto; Patrik Schick.

Betting

Scotland 39/20

Czech Republic 33/20

Draw 19/10

Source: The Telegraph

Prediction

Scotland 2-2 Czech Republic

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

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It was a tough pill to swallow for Stephen Kenny and his Ireland team after losing out to Slovakia in a play-off semi-final shootout. No EURO 2020 for the Republic of Ireland. Another opportunity to play at a major tournament that has fallen through the cracks.

In Ireland’s defence, there has been a limited amount of time for Kenny to implement his playing style. This was his third game in charge and although the result was disappointing, there were several glimpses throughout the game of what this team is capable of. Take for instance Conor Hourihane’s chance which would’ve been the icing on the cake of a wonderfully worked move.

At the other end, Shane Duffy and John Egan commanded the game, keeping the Slovakian attack relatively quiet for the entire 120 minutes. On several occasions Kenny could be heard from the touchline, “keep the shape!” They didn’t let him down. What did let Ireland down was their missed chances. Hourihane’s the most obvious, while substitute Alan Browne also squandered two glorious opportunities. All in all, the Irish team rued these chances as the game ended in penalty shootout heartache.

Stephen Kenny says his team showed "great qualities as Irish men" and deserved to win but "just couldn't score that goal we needed". #RTEsoccer #SVKIRL #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/kVimzXU6iN

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 8, 2020

So what is next for Kenny and this team?

The next tournament on the horizon is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, giving Ireland two years to prepare. But the transition will be brisk. After a flurry of Nations League fixtures this month and next, World Cup qualifying games are due to kick off in March of next year.

It is well known that Kenny is a fan of the youth, with a large pool of Irish youngsters now to choose from. Aaron Connolly, Adam Idah and Jayson Molumby have all featured under the new boss having impressed him at U-21 level. Players including Troy Parrott, Dara O’Shea, Josh Cullen and Jack Byrne will now be knocking on the door. Some difficult decisions lie ahead in this period of transition.

“They showed themselves to be a real team, there was a tremendous team ethic and everyone did as much as they could tonight.”

The players did Kenny proud last night with a valiant effort. He won’t want to turn his back on them. However, the average age of the starting eleven against Slovakia was just above 29 years old, with Callum Robinson the youngest at 25. In two years’ time, this average will have crept above 30.

Now, more than ever, is the time for Kenny to start blooding the youngsters. Time is of the essence. Despite an improved style of play, it is clear from the play-off game that Ireland are in need of a goal-scorer. David McGoldrick was outstanding on the night, dropping deep and dictating the play. But goals aren’t his game. Connolly, Idah, Parrott and Obafemi are all chomping at the bit to fill the void left by Robbie Keane four years ago.

Like previous managers Martin O’Neill and Mick McCarthy, there is a sense that Stephen Kenny will remain loyal to the current crop. On the other hand, he is also aware of the talent coming through the ranks from his successful period with the U-21 squad. Now it is time to find the right balance between experience and youth. EURO 2020 may not be happening for Ireland, but there is still plenty to be positive about under the new manager.

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Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman will miss the pivotal play-off game against Slovakia on Thursday after picking up an injury in Everton’s win over the weekend. This is a blow for Stephen Kenny as Coleman has been in fine form since the season began. It is anticipated that Matt Doherty, who didn’t feature in Spurs’ memorable 6-1 win over Manchester United, will retain his spot in the team.

Despite Sheffield United losing their fourth game of the season, David McGoldrick scored a terrific consolation goal against Arsenal. It was the Blades’ first goal of the new campaign. Enda Stevens and John Egan also featured in the game.

A fine finish from David McGoldrick. pic.twitter.com/e7qiiXy0n1

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 4, 2020

Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, James McCarthy and Callum Robinson all started for their respective clubs. All four players will be eager to play their part on Thursday evening.

Championship

In the Championship Sean Maguire scored his first of the season as he netted Preston North End’s fourth goal in a comfortable win. Alan Browne captained the side. Maguire, who has yet to feature under Stephen Kenny, will be hoping to continue this form in front of goal if he wants to be a part of Kenny’s plans.

Adam Idah is finding it hard to push Teemu Pukki out of the side at Norwich City. He came on with a half an hour left on the clock but struggled to make an impact against Derby County. In contrast, Jason Knight enjoyed his afternoon as his Derby team ran out one nil winners.

The Irish youngster has continued his impressive form this season after his emergence onto the scene last year. Although he will have to settle for a place in the in the U21 squad for now, his eyes will be firmly fixed on the senior team. Derby boss Phillip Cocu was over the moon with Knight’s performance: “How Jason Knight played today, especially for his age, was excellent.”

Blackburn Rovers’ Darragh Lenihan has also been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Kevin Long and Cyrus Christie have been called in to replace both Lenihan and Coleman.

Scottish Premier League

Shane Duffy grabbed an assist and a clean sheet for Celtic as they beat St. Jonhstone with two late goals. The Scottish champions have not conceded a goal in five out of their last seven games since Duffy arrived in Glasgow. They play Rangers after the International break.

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Following a tele-conference call with UEFA, Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens told FAI TV that Kenny’s team could have as many as five games played before the trip to Bratislava, with UEFA Nations League games set to take place as planned in September.

In the FAI TV interview, Mr Owens stated: “There has been a slight move on that. Originally, we thought it may well be November but it now looks like the semi-final is the preferred option in October.

“They don’t want to have the semi-final and the final of the play-offs in the one month. It looks like the Nations League matches will be in September and October with the semi-final play-off in October and the final play-off in November.”

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