The Czech First League – the top tier of football in the Czech Republic – was formerly known as the Gambrinus Liga but has recently been changed to the Synot Liga, both names being as a result of sponsorship deals. Ranked as the 14th best football league in Europe by UEFA (after Greece but ahead of Poland) is it a reasonable standard and often very exciting to watch. Whether making predictions or giving betting tips will prove fruitful is another matter, but we’ll give it a go.
The league was effectively formed for the 1993-94 season after the breakup of the former Czechoslovakia, since when Sparta Prague have been the most successful side having won the league title 12 times, including last season. Their neighbours and rivals in the capital, Slavia Prague, have played second fiddle in recent years, finishing as runner-up an agonising nine times. They have at least won the title three times, as have Slovan Liverec.
When trying to predict the outcome of the 2014-15 Czech First League championship it is hard to look beyond he champions Sparta, but our betting tip is for Viktoria Plzen, who have been going well in recent times and who are a good value alternative bet for the title at longer odds.