Dukla Praha vs Baník Ostrava

** <h2>Early Season Strugglers Seek First Goals at Stadion Juliska</h2> Dukla Praha welcome Baník Ostrava to Stadion Juliska on Sunday afternoon in what promises to be a fascinating encounter between two sides desperately seeking their first goals of the 2025-26 campaign. With a combined tally of zero goals across three matches this season, this third-round Czech Liga fixture carries significant psychological weight for both clubs. <h3>Tactical Battleground</h3> The match presents an intriguing tactical puzzle, with both managers likely prioritizing defensive solidity while desperately needing to unlock their attacking potential. Dukla Praha, making their home debut this season, will look to capitalize on their historically strong record against Baník at Stadion Juliska, where they've won five of their last seven encounters while conceding just three goals. Manager Pavel Hoftych faces selection headaches with Daniel Kozma, Rajmund Mikus, and Michal Cernak all sidelined through injury. The absence of these key players has clearly impacted Dukla's attacking fluency, evidenced by their failure to register a single goal in losses to Karvina (2-0) and a sterile draw with Sigma Olomouc (0-0). <h3>Baník's Away Day Blues</h3> Baník Ostrava arrive in Prague carrying the weight of expectation after an underwhelming start that saw them lose 1-0 to Bohemians in their season opener. The visitors' inability to create clear-cut chances has been concerning, with striker Erik Prekop managing just one shot on target despite taking four attempts in their opening fixture. The away side's Brazilian midfielder Ewerton Paixão da Silva will be crucial to unlocking Dukla's disciplined defensive structure. His creativity and experience could prove decisive in a match where the first goal may well prove to be the winner. <h3>Statistical Anomalies</h3> Perhaps most striking is the contrast between both teams' current attacking woes and their historical encounters. The most common scoreline in previous meetings has been 2-1, occurring three times, yet neither side has managed to score this season. This disparity suggests that normal service may be resumed, but the question remains which team will break their duck first. Dukla's clean sheet in their goalless draw with Sigma Olomouc demonstrates their defensive organization remains intact despite the attacking struggles. Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has been solid between the posts, making crucial saves to keep his side competitive. <h3>Key Players to Watch</h3> For the hosts, Kevin-Prince Milla will carry the attacking burden, though his four shots without a goal this season highlight the broader issues. The Cameroonian forward's pace and directness could trouble Baník's backline if service improves. Baník's defensive midfielder Patrick Kpozo offers attacking threat from deep positions and managed to register a shot on target in their opening defeat. His 11 crosses in that match suggest an intent to provide width and delivery that could unlock Dukla's defense. <h3>The Bigger Picture</h3> This fixture represents more than just three points for both clubs. Dukla Praha, newly promoted and determined to establish themselves in the top flight, cannot afford to fall further behind early in the campaign. Meanwhile, Baník Ostrava's aspirations of European qualification look distant if they cannot find their scoring touch soon. The psychological element cannot be understated - whichever team scores first will likely feel an enormous weight lifted from their shoulders, potentially opening the floodgates for further goals. <h3>Prediction</h3> Given the defensive solidity shown by both sides and their continued attacking struggles, this encounter has all the hallmarks of a low-scoring affair. The home advantage and historical dominance suggest Dukla Praha may edge a tight contest, but don't expect a goal fest. The smart money is on a cagey 1-0 victory for the hosts, finally breaking their scoring duck in front of their home supporters. Weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with mild temperatures and no precipitation forecast, ensuring the match will be decided purely on tactical and technical merit rather than external factors.