Viktoria Plzen vs Man United Prediction & Tips
-
Viktoria Plzen host Man Utd in the Europa League on Thursday with the Red Devils heading to the Doosan Arena aiming to end a run of two straight defeats. Read on for in-depth analysis, predictions, and betting tips.
Viktoria Plzen vs Man United Predictions
- Full Time Result: Man United Win
- Correct Score: 1-2
- Both Teams To Score: Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
- First Goalscorer: Joshua Zirkzee
Viktoria Plzen vs Man United Tips
Viktoria Plzen Form, Team News & Predicted Line-Up
Viktoria Plzen are 13th in the table and a Europa League run could help their campaign considering they are 10 points behind Slavia Prague in the Czech Liga standings.
Coach Miroslav Koubek favours a three-man defence, and with his team unbeaten in seven in all competitions, the 73-year-old is expected to stick with his preferred shape.
Defender Svetozar Markovic is out after sustaining an injury in Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Karvina.
Pavel Sulc scored both goals at the Mestsky Stadion and should start behind former Premier League forward Matej Vydra.
Viktoria Plzen Predicted XI: Jedlicka; Dweh, Hejda, Jemelka; Cadu, Cerv, Kalvach, Souare; Sulc; Jirka, Vydra.
Man United Form, Team News & Predicted Line-Up
Man Utd have already had a typically tumultuous campaign, with Ruben Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag, and more recently Dan Ashworth leaving the club after reportedly falling out with other members of the executive group in charge of overseeing the football side of things at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils sit 12th in the Europa League table after winning their last two matches against PAOK and Bodo/Glimt, but head to the Czech Republic searching for their first European away win of the season.
Amorim is expected to start with his favoured 3-4-3. Captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to play a deeper role to allow the likes of Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee a rare start.
Man United Predicted XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez; Antony, Casemiro, Fernandes, Malacia; Mount, Rashford; Zirkzee.
Key Players to Watch in Viktoria Plzen vs Man United
Sulc seems to be a star to watch for Plzen and has netted twice in this competition, the same number as Vydra.
That attacking duo could inspire the hosts, while Zirkzee will be aiming to have a similar impact.
Amorim’s preference for selecting two players off a main striker suits the Dutchman and his ability to find space in front of the opposition’s defence as either a target man or drifting in behind could lead to chances and his first Europa League goal.
Viktoria Plzen vs Man United Head-To-Head Statistics
Thursday’s match will be the first meeting between the two teams, and despite Man Utd’s diminishing returns over the last decade Viktoria Plzen will still see the fixture as the chance to cause a famous upset.
They are unbeaten in seven and are yet to be defeated at home in all competitions, including wins over Sonderjyske, Kryvbas, Hearts and Real Sociedad, also drawing against Ludogorets.
United avoided defeat in their first three matches under Amorim but lost 2-0 at Arsenal and then 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest.
They drew with Twente, Porto and Fenerbache prior to the home victories over PAOK and Bodo/Glimt and are searching for their first away victory in Europe since beating Real Betis 1-0 in the last 16 of this tournament in March 2023.
The Red Devils have conceded seven times in their five matches and Plzen’s league phase tally of nine goals means both teams to score is an option.
Free Bets & Offers
Bet £20 Get £60 in Free Bets + Up to 15% Daily Profit Boost
18+. T&Cs Apply. gambleaware.org
