Plzen vs Ludogorets prediction, odds & betting tips 03/10/2024

Viktoria Plzen will take on Ludogorets on Thursday, 3 October with both teams looking to pick up their first win in this year's Europa League.

Plzen picked up a point in their first match of the campaign, playing out a 3-3 draw with Frankfurt while Ludogorets slumped to a 2-0 loss on home soil to Slavia Prague.

As part of our latest round of Europa League betting tips, here is our Plzen vs Ludogorets prediction.

Plzen vs Ludogorets prediction: The hosts to make it four points from two games

Key Stats

• Plzen have won five of their last six home matches in all competitions.
• Ludogorets have failed to win four of their last six away matches in Europe.
• Three of Plzen's last four matches have produced at least three goals.

Correct score prediction: Plzen 2-1 Ludogorets

This is a tough match to call as both teams have suffered at the hands of Slavia Prague in recent weeks and that's the only real measuring stick we have to judge how closely matches they are. Plzen's home form just about makes them more likely to win this one but Ludogrets have scored in four of their last matches so a win to Nil feels off the table.

Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts go in as favourites

• HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%
• DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
• AWAY: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%

*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

The bookies have perhaps been a little spooked by Ludogorets' loss to Slavia Prague on matchday one as they are overly long for this one. Plzen are the pre-match favourites at 8/11 with Ladbrokes while a win for Ludogorets has been priced at 18/5. The draw, which would get the visitors up and running in the Europa League, has been priced at 18/5.

Check out our betting tips page for more predictions over the next 24 hours.

Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Ludogorets

Ludogorets and Plzen have met three times before with two of those matches coming in a Champions League playoff in 2016 and the other coming in a friendly six months earlier. In the two-legged playoff, Ludogorets won the first match at home 2-0 before playing out a 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic to secure their place in the UCL groups stages.

UEFA Champions League Qualifying 23/08/16

Viktoria Plzen

2

Ludogorets Razgrad

2

UEFA Champions League Qualifying 17/08/16

Ludogorets Razgrad

2

Viktoria Plzen

0

Plzen preview: An escape from their stuttering domestic campaign

Although Viktoria Plzen are currently third in the Czech Chance Liga, their form in recent weeks has tailed off and they will likely be glad of the distraction of playing in Europe to take their mind away from their domestic duties. They have won just one of their last four in the league but their spirited display in Stuttgart will spur them on here.

Predicted lineup: Jedlicka (GK), Cadu, Jemelka, Markovic, Dweh, Havel, Cerv, Sulc, Kalvach, Sdu, Vydra

UEFA Europa League 03/10/24

D

Ludogorets Razgrad

0

Viktoria Plzen

0

Czech Republic First League 29/09/24

D

Mlada Boleslav

1

Viktoria Plzen

1

UEFA Europa League 26/09/24

D

Eintracht Frankfurt

3

Viktoria Plzen

3

Czech Republic First League 21/09/24

L

Slavia Prague

3

Viktoria Plzen

0

Czech Republic First League 17/09/24

W

Sigma Olomouc

1

Viktoria Plzen

2

Ludogorets preview: Can their domestic momentum help them?

On the contrary, Ludogorets are having a brilliant season in their domestic league and they are currently top of the pile in Bulgaria after eight wins and one draw from their opening nine fixtures. While the level is obviously higher in the Europa League, winning breeds confidence so they won't shy away from the challenge on Thursday.

Predicted lineup: Padt (GK), Witry, Verdon, Almeida, Son, Naressi, Piotrowski, Vidal, Cruz, Rick, Duah

UEFA Europa League 03/10/24

D

Viktoria Plzen

0

Ludogorets Razgrad

0

Bulgaria First League 29/09/24

W

Botev Vratsa

0

Ludogorets Razgrad

2

UEFA Europa League 25/09/24

L

Slavia Prague

2

Ludogorets Razgrad

0

Bulgaria First League 21/09/24

W

Lokomotiv 1929 Sofia

0

Ludogorets Razgrad

2

Bulgaria First League 18/09/24

W

Slavia Sofia

0

Ludogorets Razgrad

1

Player to watch: Pavel Sulc

Pavel Sulc is Viktoria Plzen's best player and at the age of 23, there is a belief that his future lies at a higher level than the Czech Chance Liga. Last season, the tricky winger netted 22 times and provided eight assists in all competitions for his club. Based on how he started this campaign, there was no fluke as he is already on six goals and two assists.