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Red Star Belgrade welcome Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen to the iconic Rajko Mitic Stadium on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie.
The Serbian champions are determined to bounce back after falling out of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
On the other hand, the visitors arrive in Belgrade aiming to capitalise on their recent goalscoring form and unbeaten run.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Red Star Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen key stats
- Red Star Belgrade have won three of their opening fixtures in the Serbian Super Liga this season.
- Viktoria Plzen have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four league games.
- Plzen have managed only one win in their last five away league games.
Red Star Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen preview: Home team looking for first-leg advantage
Red Star Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen — Tale of the Tape
| Red Star Belgrade | vs | Viktoria Plzen |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 10th |
| 9 | Points | 5 |
| 10 | Goals For | 10 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 11 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 1st/11th | Home / Away Rank | 6th/9th |
Red Star Belgrade are attempting to salvage their European campaign after falling short in Champions League qualifying.
The Serbian champions, who secured a ninth consecutive Super Liga title last season, began their continental journey impressively by sweeping aside Larne 9-0 on aggregate.
Their progress came to an abrupt halt in the following round, however, as Hapoel Beer Sheva eliminated them with a 3-0 aggregate victory.
The disappointing exit prompted immediate changes in the dugout, with Dejan Stankovic stepping down as head coach and former Slovenia boss Albert Riera being appointed as his successor.
Red Star have won each of their opening three league fixtures, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once, and will now look to carry that form into their bid for Europa League qualification.
The Czech visitors arrive in Belgrade after receiving an unexpected route into the playoff round.
Viktoria Plzen had initially been preparing for a second qualifying round meeting with Tromso, but UEFA's expulsion of MFK Karvina following a match-fixing scandal allowed Martin Hysky's side to advance directly to this stage.
That decision has spared Viktoria four European fixtures, but their domestic performances have offered little reason for confidence.
The Czech club have won only once in their first four league matches, beginning the campaign with two draws and a defeat before finally recording their first victory on Saturday, edging past bottom-placed Zlin 3-2.
Viktoria will need to improve significantly if they are to frustrate a Red Star side that has started strongly at home and are desperate to recover from their Champions League disappointment.
With the Serbian champions possessing the greater European experience and momentum, the visitors face a difficult opening leg in Belgrade.
Red Star Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen form guide & betting tips
| Red Star Belgrade | vs | Viktoria Plzen |
|---|---|---|
WWLWL |
Form | WLDDW |
| 10 | Goals For | 12 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 11 |
NA |
Europa League qualification | NA |
Whispers predicts: Red Star Belgrade 2-1 Viktoria Plzen
Red Star Belgrade are expected to utilise their formidable home advantage to claim a narrow victory in this opening leg.
While their recent setback in Champions League qualifying raised questions, their domestic form at home remains strong.
Plzen have scored goals with ease in recent weeks, suggesting they can find the net in Belgrade, but their defensive frailties will likely cost them.
Therefore, a 2-1 scoreline for the hosts reflects both teams' current characteristics and past competitive history.
Bookmakers have designated Red Star Belgrade as the favourites at odds of 61/100 (1.61) to win the match.
A draw is priced at 29/10 (3.90), while an away victory for Plzen is valued as an underdog outcome at 18/5 (4.60).
Given the attacking quality of both teams, over 2.5 goals is available at 18/25 (1.72), and both teams to score (yes) is priced at 18/25 (1.72).
Another option to pick from is the home team total goals (over 1.5), which is offered at 33/50 (1.66).
> Home to win at 61/100 (1.61) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 18/25 (1.72) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score (yes) at 18/25 (1.72) | Likelihood: Probable
> Home team total goals (over 1.5) at 33/50 (1.66) | Likelihood: Possible