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Czech Republic vs. Poland Preview

The final round of group games begins on Saturday, with all four teams in Group A still capable of making the quarter finals.

Czech Republic meet co-hosts Poland in Wroclaw, with both sides knowing victory will send them through to the knockout stage of the competition. A draw may also be good enough for the Czech’s should Russia beat Greece in Warsaw.

Both of Poland’s group games so far have finished 1-1, with captain Jakub Blaszczykowski scoring a thunderous equaliser in their last game against Russia on Tuesday.

Head coach Franciszek Smuda has three injury worries ahead of the game, with defender Damien Perquis and midfielder Dariusz Dudka set to miss out. Eugene Polanski may recover from a bruised knee in time to feature, whilst goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny returns following a one-match ban.

Most bookmakers have Poland 2.25 (5/4) favourites to get the three points they need, whilst the Czech’s are 3.40 (12/5) for the win. The draw is priced at 3.5 (5/2) with Paddy Power.

Czech Republic currently sit second in Group A, with the three points the picked up in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Greece. Two goals in the first six minutes, from Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar were enough to give Michel Bilak’s men victory, with Fanis Gekas pulling one back for the Greeks in the second half.

Captain Tomas Rosicky is the Czech’s only doubt ahead of the game, with a slight Achilles injury.

With the assistance of home support, you might be tempted to back a strong start for Poland. Ladbrokes are offering 6.0 (5/1) for the co-hosts to be leading after 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can get the same price from a variety of bookmakers for talisman Robert Lewandowski to open the scoring.

The Borussia Dortmund striker, who got the first goal of this summer’s championships, is a massive 66/1 with Bwin to finish the tournament as top scorer.