Tables are turned as Czechs look likely to employ defensive attitude

It IS not just on these shores that Craig Levein’s infamous 4-6-0 formation in Prague 11 months ago goes before him. The reaction, however, was somewhat different amongst a baffled Czech press and public after their side’s 1-0 victory than that prevalent among the Tartan Army. The feeling was one of relief that the weaknesses in a far-from-vintage Czech side hadn’t been exposed by Scotland in the same manner they had by Lithuania in a 1-0 defeat only a month before.

Now, in the face of a Scotland side with far more ambition and confidence after a decent run of friendly results during their near year-long hiatus from competitive internationals, it is the Czechs’ turn to focus on the defensive.

Former Liverpool striker Milan Baros has revealed the visitors would be more than happy with a draw today and under-pressure coach Milan Bilek is expected to follow Levein’s lead in focusing on the defensive side of the game to get the point that would all but seal second place in Group I.

After a series of poor results, culminating in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Norway last month, confidence isn’t so high amongst the Czech squad, with Bilek’s position thought to be untenable should they fail to qualify for the play-offs.

The Czech coach will, unlike Levein, at least go with the one striker in Baros, but it is the position at the other end of the pitch that has caused the Czechs most worry in the build-up to this afternoon’s tie. Goalkeeper Petr Cech was ruled out of the game with a knee ligament injury only a fortnight ago and Bilek is still to decide whether Jaroslav Drobný of Hamburg or Jan Laštuvka of Ukrainian side Dnipro will take the Chelsea man’s place. Both have had troubles in recent matches and conceded four goals in their last outing.

Bayer Leverkusen left-back and one-time Celtic target Michal Kadlec is the most recognisable name in a defence which will also include the goalscorer from the return fixture in Prague, Roman Hubník, along with Tomáš Sivok of Besiktas and Mainz’s Zdenek Pospech. However, the game will almost certainly be decided in midfield, where much will depend from the Czech perspective on the experienced midfield trio of Thomas Rosicky, Jaroslav Plašil and Tomáš Hübschman’s ability to keep the ball. Yet, despite the visitor’s obvious technical superiority, Scotland may with the likes of Scott Brown and the returning Darren Fletcher be able to exploit the Czech’s lack of a physical presence in the central midfield area.

Bilek also has decisions to make as to who to deploy in the wide areas. Petr Jiracek, who excelled in Czech champions Viktoria Plzen’s victory over FC Copenhagen to qualify for the Champions League group stages, is expected to be handed his international debut while Jan Rezek’s extra physical presence makes him the most likely candidate for a role on the left-side of a 4-5-1.

Scotland’s approach was described as “unpleasant” by Bilek last October. No matter how unpleasant the spectacle is today, to keep his job a point will suffice.