Karel Bruckner's side know nothing less than a win will do if they are to stay in touch with Germany at the top of Group D.

With the Germans not in qualifying action in midweek, victory for Czech Republic would move them level on points with the pacesetters, having played a game more.

Although still on course for qualification, Saturday's 2-1 loss and the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Wales mean Czech Republic have been joined on 10 points by Steve Staunton's men.

Bruckner had harsh words for his team's defensive performance after the defeat and has promised to make changes to the side for Wednesday's game.

"We'll use players who have more strength," he said. "We must impose our style of play on Cyprus, but this isn't a solid plan yet. I don't want to act rashly.

"We weren't able to prevent fast moves on the left side against Germany and had big problems there, like we did in the centre of defence. You can't win if you don't defend well, and against such strong opposition every hesitation costs you."

Their opponents Cyprus, who arrived in Prague on Sunday, also head into the game on the back of a home defeat after going down 3-1 to Slovakia.

Striker Yiannis Okkas will be eligible to play, after missing Saturday's game through suspension, but goalkeeper Michael Morphis, who was sent off against Slovakia, is unavailable.

Elsewhere in the group, Ireland take on Slovakia looking to maintain their 100% record at Croke Park. Both sides are still in with a chance of qualification, but know they can not afford to lose any more ground on the top two.

Wales, whose qualifying hopes are already all but over, will be hoping for their second win of the qualifying campaign when they come up against group whipping boys San Marino.