Jablonec vs. Alkmaar: Preview and betting tips

Jablonec will face an extremely important match for the whole Czech football on Thursday. It will welcome Alkmaar at home and would like to take at least a point. Will Petr Rada’s team add points to the coefficient and keep their chances of promotion alive?

Jablonec has two faces since the start of the season. They are struggling in the league and have only a two-point lead over barrage Pardubice, while they hold the second relegation spot in the Conference Europa League.

Alkmaar are in the same position. In the Eredivisie, they are six points away from the barrier positions, in the cups they only need a draw to secure first place. It is therefore a question of how strong a line-up the Dutch side will field in the north of the country.

Jablonec’s biggest star this year is Tomas Cvančara, who has scored eight times in all competitions. The defence is held by a stalwart in the form of Jaroslav Zelený, while Václav Pilař is also putting in a nice performance.

Alkmaar boasts young stars, twenty-three-year-old midfielder Dani de Wit has scored six times so far, while Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis boasts six goals and four assists.

Jablonec have struggled offensively, scoring more than one goal in only two of their last six games.

Alkmaar aren’t scoring either, scoring just seven goals in their last six games.

Given the width of the away team and Jablonec’s unproductive offense, I think Alkmaar will win.