Ostrava to play against Jihlava in last hope of salvation

Ostrava come into the match on the back of their 3:1 defeat at the hands of Bohemians, and have now lost their last five matches in a row. The club currently has only four points, their worst ever performance in the club’s history. Jihlava, on the other hand, saw their fortunes improve as they beat Brno 2:0 in the last round.

"The situation is critical and we need to walk away with three points against Jihlava," said Ostrava coach Radomír Korytář. "We have tried to pick the team up psycologically, but the poor results have left their mark. We need to be more effective if we want to win and make the most of our chances," he added.

"Baník are playing for their last chance at salvation.  We will be fighting hard not to end up in the relegation zone going into the winter break," said Jihlava coach Milan Bokša. "Ostrava have not played badly during the season, but the results have gone against them. They have been missing the element of luck, which also comes into play in football," he addedd.

Also on twelve points like Jihlava are Olomouc and Bohemians 1905. Olomouc ended a run of three matches without a win as they emerged victorious over Slovácko in the last round. "We are playing well defensively, but up front we have been struggling to score goals, which has been our biggest problem all season," said Olomouc coach Václav Jílek.

"Slovácko have not been playing so well recently, but they do have striker Libor Došek, who has proved dangerous this season," he added.

Bohemians face and in-form Boleslav, who have lost only two matches at home in their 16 matches, both against Sparta. Boleslav will be looking for the win to keep in touch with the leaders at the top of the table.

"We have performed well in our last three matches and the atmosphere in the dressing room is very positive. We think we can surprise Boleslav," said Bohemians caoch Roman Pivarník. "Bolelsav have proved lethal in attack, but they do have defensive weakness that we can exploit," he added.

In Saturday’s last match, Slavia face Příbram. Should Slavia win the match, they have the chance of occupying fourth in the table along with Liberec.

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PHOTO: ČTK