The Boys in Green travel to Prague for what is the biggest game in Irish football over the last few years.
The Czech Republic comes into this fixture after finishing second in their World Cup Qualifying group, six points behind Croatia.
Ireland gained their play-off spot in fashion, beating Portugal 2 – 0 at home with a Troy Parrott brace, only for him to go to Budapest and score a hat-trick, including a last minute winner against Hungary.
Key Information:
Kick Off: Thursday 26th March, 19:45.
Where to watch: RTE 2/RTE Player.
Betting odds: Czech Republic 19/20, Draw 23/10, Ireland 14/5.
Team News:
New Czechia boss Miroslav Koubek, who was appointed back in December, has brought back in former Czechia captain Vladimir Darida, who announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2020.
Evan Ferguson, Mikey Johnston, Josh Cullen, and Gavin Bazunu will all miss the March window due to injuries. Robbie Brady and Alan Browne both come into the squad after missing the last few International windows.
Key Statistics:
In their last 18 home games in Prague, Czechia have won 15, drawn one, and lost two. Czechia hasn’t appeared at the Men’s World Cup since 2006.
This is Ireland’s first World Cup play-off appearance since 2017, for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Ireland hasn’t appeared at the Men’s World Cup since 2002.
Key Players:
Czechia: West Ham’s Thomas Soucek is the key man for the home side with 87 appearances for his country since his first in 2016.
Ireland: Goal machine Troy Parrott will be one of Ireland’s most key players for Thursday night, scoring five goals in the November International window to secure the nation’s place in the play-offs.
Previous Meetings:
29.02.2012 – Ireland 1 – 1 Czechia – Friendly.
12.09.2007 – Czechia 1 – 0 Ireland – Euro 2008 qualifier.
11.10.2006 – Ireland 1 – 1 Czechia – Euro 2008 qualifier.