Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Prediction

Thursday will see the Red Devils travel to the Czech Republic to face off against Viktoria Plzen in game week 6 of the Europa League. Both teams have been very evenly matched in their Europa League campaigns, with United just ahead by one goal difference. Safe to say it is all to play for with both teams needing the win.

Key Stats

• Manchester United currently have 10 goals from their first 5 games, with Viktoria Plzen just trailing behind with 9 goals
• Rasmus Hojlund scored a brace in United’s last Europa League match, in which they came out victorious 3-2 against Bodo/Glimt
• Viktoria Plzen at currently on an 7 game unbeaten streak in both league and Europa league

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

It is expected to be a tight knit battle between the two clubs, both unbeaten in the tournament so far and joint on points. Sitting in 11th and 12th, a win would send either team into the top 8 and shooting them into a comfortable spot for the vast approaching knockout stage depending on the results from the teams ahead. Manchester United will be looking for another stunning performance from striker Ramus Hojlund, who’s currently charted three goals and one assist in his last 5 Europa League games.

Viktoria Plzen Preview

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted Line-Up: Martin Jedlička; Václav Jemelka, Svetozar Marković, Sampson Dweh Jr; Cheick Souaré, Lukáš Červ, Lukáš Kalvach, Milan Havel; Pavel Šulc, Erik Jirka; Matěj Vydra

Viktoria Plzen have had a decent start to their Europa League campaign, falling into 12th place but are currently unbeaten with 2 wins and 3 draws, with a victory coming against Sociedad and a well fought battle against Eintracht Frankfurt which ended 3-3. They have certainly been living up to the nickname of Viktorka, a Latin girls name for “victory”, as they have enjoyed a 7 game unbeaten streak, obtaining 6 wins and will be looking to continue their hot run of form with a victory against the former England giants.

Although Plzen forward Vydra resided in the Premier League for a few years, he is yet to feature in a full 90 minutes against United and with 2 goals already in the tournament he will be looking to show Burnley what they were missing against United all those years back. If not Vydra, an attractive prospect was acquired by the Czech team this August in Prince Kwabena Adu. The 21 year old has thrived under coach Miroslav Koubek and has picked up 2 goals himself in tournament, with the opener against Real Sociedad.

Manchester United Preview

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-Up: André Onana; Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United’s Europa League campaign has been very rocky but have managed to maintain an unbeaten record with 2 wins from their last 2. New manager Ruben Amorim has had a decent start with the squad but admitted after his first game “we have a lot to improve but they try”. A tough win against Bodo/Glimt gave Amorim a lot more confidence in his side which then went on to absolutely decimate Everton 4-0. Back to back losses against Arsenal and Nottingham Forrest would follow and yet again fans were continuing to be troubled by the inconsistency of their side. United are yet to go a Europa League game without conceding a goal, but luckily they have been just as prolific in front of goal with stars Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo being the front runners with them both picking up braces in the competition. With Bruno Fernandes sat behind them, it is safe to say goals will be coming United’s way.

Full back Luke Shaw took to Instagram to announce after recovering a muscle injury he has since acquired a hamstring injury that will see him miss out on the Thursday evening fixture, a new injury for the Manchester United star sees him sidelined yet again with possible return before the new year. Amorim still expressing his confidence with his number 1, Andre Onana, even after a rather lack-lustre performance against Nottingham Forrest at the weekend. Can Manchester United get it right on the night.

Head to Head Stats: Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United

This is the first time in which these two teams have collided and with both desperate to keep their undefeated run going, it is all to play for between these two sides hot on form in the Europa League. Get set for an action packed display with two sides not shy of scoring.

Betting Tips for Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United

Scoring a total of 4 goals in their two away games so far in the competition, there is a good chance Manchester United will continue their scoring streak away from home. Both teams have conceded 7 goals but Manchester United have scored 10 goals to Viktoria Plzen’s 9, it will be a tough game to decide the winner.

For that reason, our betting experts have gone with Both Teams To Score as the best value tip for this game.

Odds of 3/4 mean that a bet of £10 has the potential to return up to £17.50 in this match.

(odds suspect to change)

Final Prediction: Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United

Manchester United have been inconsistent in form under the new manager and with Plzen thriving, we can see United struggle but very likely that both teams will score. This game could fall to either team and both will be looking to prove.