Recap
Zlín returned to the fight for the play-off barrage. In Pardubice, they won by 1:2 after 30 away games without a win and reduced the gap between Pardubice and Brno to a point difference. But in the final two rounds, they have to score two points more than their competitors, because they are in last place. It’s possible that the final match in Brno will decide the direct relegation, but Pavel Vrba’s team needs to win today’s match with Ostrava if they don’t want to rely on the hesitation of their opponents. The team is weakened by numerous absences like Chanturishvili (27/3), Procházka (27/1), Kolář (25/2), Hlinka (22/0), Kozák (12/4), and Tkac (4/0). Ostrava finally saved itself with Sunday’s home win over Teplice, against whom coach Hapal fielded the strongest line-up. Now it is likely that inexperienced youngsters and second-tier players will get a chance to get some experience, while due to injuries Klíma (27/5), Boula (18/1), Lischka (15/1), Šin (11/1), and Tetour (10/2) are out of the squad. This, together with the different motivations, increases the hopes of Zlín for an important victory, but I think that Ostrava is capable to score at least a goal, as it was in the last 8 mutual matches.