Two unbeaten teams are set to lock horns in a tasty Europa League encounter as Viktoria Plzen prepare to welcome Freiburg to the Doosan Arena in Czechia.
Both clubs will be looking to take a big step towards the knockout stage this Thursday night. Can the hosts prevail, or will Freiburg show their quality? Read our Viktoria Plzen vs Freiburg prediction and preview to find out, but don't forget to also check out some of our other Europa League predictions.
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Viktoria Plzen vs Freiburg prediction: Goals expected
Key Stats
- Plzen have scored five first-half goals in the Europa League this season.
- Five of Plzen’s last seven Europa League home matches produced exactly three goals.
- Eight of the 11 goals scored in Freiburg’s Europa League games this season arrived in the first half.
Correct score prediction: Viktoria Plzen 2-2 Freiburg
Both teams were in league action over the weekend, and both had their defensive vulnerabilities exposed. While that is certainly a concern for both managers, it is good news for goal-hungry neutrals.
This game has goals galore potential, especially with both teams looking to defend their unbeaten records in Europe.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Freiburg backed to win
- HOME: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.30%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.40%
- AWAY: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.50%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It's clear from these Viktoria Plzen vs Freiburg odds that the bookies expect a win for the away team.
Nevertheless, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between the two
Freiburg competing on the European stage is a rare sight to behold. For that reason, it is not a surprise that Thursday will mark the first competitive meeting between the Bundesliga outfit and Viktoria Plzen.
Viktoria Plzen preview: Winless run concerns
Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen enter this European fixture looking to end their three-match winless run across all competitions.
In terms of injuries, Jan Paluska and Jan Kopic will be on the sidelines. Goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka is likely to keep his place, while midfielder Tomas Ladra will provide the biggest attacking threat.
Predicted lineup: Jedlicka (GK), Doski, Jemelka, Dweh, Souare, Spacil, Serv, Ladra, Valenta, Memic & Durosinmi
Last five matches
- Jablonec 3-3 Plzen (Czech First League)
- Plzen 3-5 Slavia Prague (Czech First League)
- Plzen 0-0 Fenerbahce (Europa League)
- Teplice 1-2 Plzen (Czech First League)
- Nove Sady 0-2 Plzen (Czech Cup)
Freiburg preview: Heavy defeat behind them
Freiburg will head across the border to Czechia on the back of a 6-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last weekend – their heaviest loss for some time.
Freiburg’s biggest threat up front is Japanese forward Yuito Suzuki, who has four goal contributions in as many games. In terms of injuries, midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh will be on the sidelines.
Predicted lineup: Atubolu (GK), Makengo, Lienhart, Ginter, Treu, Manzambi, Eggestein, Grifo, Suzuki, Beste & Holer
Last five matches
- Bayern Munich 6-2 Freiburg (Bundesliga)
- Freiburg 2-1 St Pauli (Bundesliga)
- Nice 1-3 Freiburg (Europa League)
- Union Berlin 0-0 Freiburg (Bundesliga)
- Dusseldorf 1-3 Freiburg (DFB Pokal)
Player to watch: Yuito Suzuki
Freiburg forward Yuito Suzuki will be looking to get on the scoresheet for the third successive game, having rattled the net against St Pauli and Bayern Munich.
The Japanese player boasts five goal contributions from his last six matches, including a goal against Utrecht and an assist away in Nice in the Europa League.