SK Sigma Olomouc
- Both sides are locked on 27 points after 19 league games in a congested mid-table with Hradec sitting seventh and Sigma eighth.
- Tomáš Janotka’s Sigma Olomouc side are a more possession-based team with a patient style of play.
- They overload the flanks and use Radim Breite’s ability to control the tempo of the game from midfield.
- The goals will usually go through Jan Kliment if he is fit enough to start, but Daniel Vasulin is a key contributor in a side that has scored only 18 times in 19 games.
FC Hradec Králové
- Hradec’s boss David Horejš has built his side on a compact, reactive style with plenty of structure and adaptability to react to different opponents.
- The Vychodni team are not a possession side by nature, preferring to sit deep and be compact, then attack quickly when they win the ball, either from set pieces or by exploiting the wide channels.
- Daniel Horák is a key player in both regards, while the full-backs provide width and Adam Zadražil is a quality ‘keeper who could be a surprise candidate for 1. Liga MVP this term because of his ability to keep the teams with more possession at bay.
- Hradec finished the winter break with three wins and ten goals in friendlies while Sigma posted 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
Head-to-Head
Hradec have won the last two league meetings between these sides and have the overall H2H advantage.
Key Players
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Key players to watch:
- Daniel Horák
- Adam Zadražil
- Radim Breite
- Jan Kliment
- Daniel Vasulin
- Adam Griger
- Ondřej Mihálik
- Mick van Buren
Betting Insights
- Backing Hradec to beat Sigma at 3.95 is too short for us, given the hosts are the slight favorites with the bookies at 1.94.
- Our pick in the goal markets is the both teams to score line at 1.73 as we expect a competitive game in which both sides will get chances to score at least once.
- Cold weather is expected in Olomouc this weekend with snow and ice warnings issued, so the pace of the match is likely to be slow.
Prediction
- Our belief in a draw or a one-goal Hradec win is based on their recent dominance in the H2H record, their superior attacking form through the winter and the fact that Sigma will remain very disciplined at home.
- We expect a competitive game and favour a both teams to score outcome.
