Locked on three points apiece in Group G, Viktoria Plzen host Lugano in the Europa League next week, knowing that a win for either side will significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the competition. The emphasis will be on the home side to attack from the off, however Lugano have already shown what a danger they can be in front of goal in this competition.
Champions League – Doosan Arena, Plzen – Thursday 2nd November – 21:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Viktoria Plzen
AC LuganoMatch Preview
Just goal difference separates Viktoria Plzen and Lugano ahead of their Europa League clash next week, with the Swiss side having narrowly defeated the Czech-based club in the reverse fixture last time out. Despite neither side being among the biggest names in the competition, there should still be a significant amount of interest in this encounter when it comes to betting, with little to choose between the two sides. For those still unsure who to back, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, along with our top betting tip for the match.
Viktoria Plzen Team News & Form
Viktoria Plzen produced a fine display to see off Brno in the Czech First League over the weekend, demonstrating that they are in good form coming into this clash. In fact, manager Pavel Vrba has led his side to eleven straight wins at the start of the season, with the club undoubtedly keen on going one better this time around, having finished as runners up in the 2016/17 campaign. However, their performances in Europe have not been quite as impressive, with their only win coming against Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva in the second week of the competition. The Plzen squad is dominated by home-grown talent, with Czech international Jan Kopic undoubtedly one of the stars. Elsewhere, forward Michal Krmenčík has already opened his European account this season, with the 24-year-old set to pose the Lugano defence a significant threat next week.
Lugano Team News & Form
Lugano earned a positive 2-2 draw away at Sion over the weekend, however the fact that they are bottom of the Swiss Super League gives a clear indication of their form so far this season. Lugano have won just three matches so far, including their solitary Europa League success against Plzen just last week. Manager Pierluigi Tami and his players are now under severe pressure to deliver as a result, with the likes of Carlinhos and Mattia Bottani being among their more talented members of the squad.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Switzerland, the two teams had never previously met in a competitive fixture. As well as this, and despite the fact that Lugano earned a narrow 3-2 victor over Plzen in that match, it is the Czech side who go into next week’s clash as the favourites for three points.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result between the two clubs last week, it perhaps comes as a surprise that it is Viktoria Plzen who are the firm favourites to claim all three points in front of their home supporters. The home side can be backed for the win at odds of 2/5 with Ladbrokes, while Ladbrokes has the visitors as the underdogs, with odds of 13/2.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on Viktoria Plzen winning and both teams not scoring, which can be found at odds of 8/5 at Ladbrokes.