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Viktoria Plzen and Union Saint-Gilloise will begin their Europa League campaigns on Thursday, when the two clash at the former's Doosan Arena.
The hosts entered the league phase of the competition after successfully navigating a playoff tie against Red Star Belgrade last month, whereas Union entered the tournament as consolation for losing a playoff tie for the Champions League.
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.
Viktoria Plzen vs Union Saint-Gilloise key stats
- Viktoria Plzen have scored 10 goals in their last five matches.
- Union have scored at least two goals in all four of their past five games.
- Union forward Relebohile Mofokeng has scored two goals in his last three matches.
Viktoria Plzen vs Union Saint-Gilloise preview: The start of the Europa League
Viktoria Plzen vs Union Saint-Gilloise — Tale of the Tape
| VIK | vs | USG |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (1. Liga) | Position | 1st (Belgian Pro League) |
| 10 | Points | 16 |
| 16 | Goals For | 19 |
| 15 | Goals Against | 3 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 4 |
| 12th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
Viktoria Plzen's path into the Europa League was not easy considering they suffered a 3-0 first-leg defeat to Red Star Belgrade on August 20 in their playoff tie.
However, Thursday's hosts managed to fight back in the second leg seven days later and win 5-1 at home after extra time.
The hosts have played four games since their second-leg victory, with the club winning once, drawing twice and losing once.
Given Thursday is the team's first league phase game of the season, it may be sensible to deploy a midfield three featuring Lukas Cerv, Patrik Hrosovsky and Cheick Souare.
Union SG come into the clash having taken a very different path to the Europa League, with the club having dropped into the competition after losing a playoff tie with Bodo/Glimt for a place in the Champions League.
The first leg ended level at 3-3 on August 4, but Tuesday's visitors eventually suffered a 3-2 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the second leg on August 11.
David Hubert's side have been in strong form this season, and they arrive into their next fixture unbeaten in five games, a period in which they won four times.
Union know they will be without centre-back Kevin Mac Allister for a prolonged stretch due to ligament damage, and his place may be filled by Nikki Havenaar.
Viktoria Plzen vs Union Saint-Gilloise form guide & betting tips
| VIK | vs | USG |
|---|---|---|
W
D
W
D
L
|
Form |
D
W
W
W
W
|
| 11 | Goals For | 14 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 2 |
N/A |
Europa League form | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Viktoria Plzen 2-2 Union Saint-Gilloise
Neither team have shown vulnerabilities defensively, so it could be worth looking into the bookmaker's offer of a draw at 12/5 (3.4).
Union have scored two or more goals in all four of their past five games, so it makes sense to predict Over 1.5 Goals for Union at 6/5 (2.2).
Viktoria Plzen have scored 10 goals in their last five matches, and that could make predicting Over 1.5 Goals for Viktoria Plzen at 5/4 (2.25) the way to go.
Union forward Relebohile Mofokeng has scored two goals in his last three matches, and his form could make betting Relebohile Mofokeng to Score at 9/2 (5.5) a value prediction.
> Over 1.5 Goals for Union at 6/5 (2.2) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 1.5 Goals for Viktoria Plzen at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Relebohile Mofokeng to Score at 9/2 (5.5) | Likelihood: Outsider