Viktoria Plzen are set to host the undefeated Anderlecht at the Stadion Lucni ulice on Thursday evening in the penultimate matchday of the 2024-25 Europa League league phase.
The hosts are 17th in the table with nine points from their six outings, while the visitors are third in the table with 14 points from their six fixtures.
Match preview
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After finishing third in the Czech First League last season, Viktoria Plzen secured themselves a chance to compete for a place in this year's Europa League league phase.
Plzen defeated Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih 3-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round, followed by a 2-0 aggregate win over Hearts in the playoff round, securing their place in the competition.
Alongside enjoying a strong 2024-25 season in their domestic league, sitting second in the table with 43 points from 19 outings, seven points behind the league leaders, Plzen have had a positive time in the league phase.
Miroslav Koubek, in charge since July 2023, has led his team to two wins, three draws and only one defeat from their six league phase matches, leaving them 17th in the table with nine points, two ahead of 25th-placed Braga.
The hosts will be aiming to secure a victory and strengthen their position in the top 24 ahead of the final matchday in a week's time, with a win potentially enough to ensure their place in the knockout round depending on results elsewhere.
As for Anderlecht, while their position in the top 24 is ensured, with the Purple & White holding a seven-point lead over 25th-placed Braga, there is still plenty to play for in the final two outings.
David Hubert's men have recorded four wins and two draws from their six league phase fixtures, leaving them third in the table with 14 points, meaning a place in the top eight is still up for grabs.
Anderlecht hold just a three-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur and FCSB in ninth and 10th place, meaning victories in their final two matches may be needed to ensure a spot in the top eight.
The visitors will be extremely confident given they are one of just five teams yet to be beaten in the Europa League, while their away form of two wins and one draw leaves them fifth in the table for results on the road.
Team News
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The hosts are set to be without Christophe Kabongo (knee), Matej Valenta (knee) and Rafiu Durosinmi for this match due to ongoing injury issues, with all three expected to return next month.
Despite falling to defeat in their last Europa League outing, a narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester United, Koubek could name a similar starting lineup here, with goalscorer Matej Vydra continuing in attack.
As for Anderlecht, they are expected to be without the services of Francis Amuzu (concussion), Jan Vertonghen (ankle), Kasper Dolberg (knee), Majeed Ashimeru (muscle), Mario Stroeykens (ankle) and Samuel Edozie (muscle) due to injuries.
After defeating KV Kortrijk 2-0 in their last outing, Anderlecht could field a similar starting team in this one, though goalscorer Cesar Huerta may start.
Viktoria Plzen possible starting lineup:
Jedlicka; Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka; Cadu, Cerv, Kalvach, Souare; Vydra, Sulc; Vasulin
Anderlecht possible starting lineup:
Coosemans; Adryelson, Dendoncker, N'Diaye; Sardella, Rits, Maamar; Verschaeren; Hazard, Vazquez, Huerta
We say: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Anderlecht
The hosts will be hoping to secure a much-needed victory at their home ground to help strengthen their chance of qualification, but the visitors are undefeated in the Europa League and we expect them to secure a win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
