9th round: The Prague Derby, Baroš still out
The 9th round of the SYNOT liga kicks off with the match between Teplice and Slovácko. The round also sees the Prague Derby between Sparta and Slavia.
FK Teplice - 1. FC Slovácko
(Friday, 20:15)
Teplice face Slovácko in the opening game of the 9th round. Teplice come into the match on the back of their 3:0 drubbing by Boleslav last week while Slovácko are in fine form. Slovácko striker Libor Došek in on fire, having scored nine goals so far this season. However, Slovácko have proved better home than away so it will be interesting to see how they perform against Teplice.
SK Dynamo České Budějovice - 1.FK Příbram (Saturday, 14:00)
At the bottom of the table, České Budějovice take on Příbram. Before the last round, Budějovice would have gone in favourites, but now the match looks more evenly balanced. Under new coach Pavel Tobiáš, Příbram notched up their first victory of the season against Jihlava last week so the match is anyones.
FC Baník Ostrava - Bohemians Praha 1905 (Saturday, 15:00)
The mood of the Ostrava fans has improved considerably since the return of their favourite striker, Milan Baroš. After a serious injury, he has returned to training but will not start the match against Bohemians. Ostrava lost to Plzeň in the last round while Bohemians beat Slavia to give them their second win in a row.
FK Dukla Praha - FC Vysočina Jihlava (Saturday, 15:00)
Jihlava have another chance to improve their self-esteem as they take on Dukla. Dukla were thrashed by Slovácko last week and will be looking to turn in a better performance against their opponents. Jihlava have had a miserable season so far with only one win against Hradec Králové. Jihlava coach Petr Rada is still in charge, but the question is if he can weather another poor result.
FC Zbrojovka Brno - FC Viktoria Plzeň (Saturday, 15:00)
The leaders, Plzeň travel to Brno, who play their second home game in a row. Having beaten Liberec 1:0, they now have bigger fish to fry. Plzeň have recovered from their two matches against Romanian side FC Petrolul Ploiesti and the arrival of new coach, Miroslav Koubek, has seen a tightening of the defence. Can Brno break through and take the three points?
FC Hradec Králové - FK Baumit Jablonec (Saturday, 15:00)
Hradce Králové welcome Jablonec, a side who have great ambitions this season. However, Jablonec turned in a disappointing performance against Budějovice in the last round, drawing 0:0. Hradec have only won one match so far this season, and may be hard pushed to take the three points from Jablonec.
SK Slavia Praha – AC Sparta Praha (Saturday, 18:00)
The match of the round is undoubtedly the Derby between Slavia and Sparta at Eden. After a great start to the season, Slavia’s form has been disappointing, losing their last three matches in a row. Sparta, on the other hand, have been on fine form, winning their last three matches. Sparta are clear favourites but as with all Derby matches, anything can happen.
FC Slovan Liberec - FK Mladá Boleslav (Sunday, 17:30)
While Liberec performed well last season, their situation is now troubling. After eight rounds in the league, they currently lie twelfth. Liberec will want to atone for their defeat at the hands of Brno last week. However, Boleslav will prove tough opponents and come into the match having beaten Teplice 3:0 in the last round.
PHOTO: ČTK
