FC Viktoria Plzen will host Manchester United at the Doosan Arena in Czechia on Thursday night. Both teams are level on points in the Europa League, with 9 points from 5 matches. However, they face very different situations ahead of this crucial clash.
Man United’s Struggles
Ruben Amorim’s start as Manchester United’s manager has been a rollercoaster. After an unbeaten first three matches, his side has suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats, leaving them struggling in 13th place in the Premier League.
A 2-0 loss to Arsenal and a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest have exposed United’s lack of quality. Amorim admitted that his side’s issues need a long-term fix.
In the Europa League, however, Man United is still in the hunt for a spot in the knockout rounds. They are currently 12th in the standings, just one point behind the top eight. A win here is vital, as United looks to maintain its unbeaten European record this season.
Viktoria Plzen’s European Ambitions
Viktoria Plzen, meanwhile, is having an impressive run in Europe. The Czech side has won two and drawn three of their Europa League matches. Their recent victories against Real Sociedad and Dynamo Kyiv have shown that they can cause upsets. With six wins and one draw in their last seven matches in all competitions, Plzen is in excellent form domestically, sitting second in the Czech First League.
However, despite this strong form, Plzen faces an uphill battle against Manchester United. They’ve never won a European game against English opposition, having lost to Manchester City in the 2013-14 Champions League. Still, the underdogs may feel confident, especially with United’s shaky recent performances.
Key Players to Watch
For Manchester United, all eyes will be on their attacking options. Despite recent struggles, players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford remain capable of turning the game around. Amorim will also be looking for a strong response from his defensive unit after conceding five goals in two games.
For Viktoria Plzen, Pavel Sulc is a key player to watch. With 10 goals this season, Sulc has been in great form and will look to exploit any weaknesses in United’s defense. His brace against Karvina last weekend showed that he is capable of scoring when needed.
Predictions and Betting Odds
Looking at the odds, Manchester United enters this match as the clear favorites. Their chances of winning stand at 57%, with a victory priced at 1.62 on Bangbet. On the other hand, Viktoria Plzen has just a 19% chance of winning, with their odds at 5.80. A draw is considered a more likely outcome than a Plzen win, with a 24% chance and odds of 4.40.
Despite United’s recent struggles, they remain a strong team, especially in European competition. However, their poor form in the Premier League leaves room for doubt. Plzen has already caused a couple of surprises in the Europa League this season, making them a dangerous side to underestimate.
Conclusion
This is a must-win game for Manchester United. After two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Amorim’s side needs to bounce back and secure a victory. Plzen, though, will not be an easy opponent, especially given their recent form and the fact that they are playing at home.
For bettors, United’s odds of 1.62 make them the favorite, but Plzen’s strong European performances this season suggest that they could pull off an upset. A draw is also a realistic outcome, given both teams’ similar records in the competition. Keep an eye on Bangbet for the latest odds and predictions as the game approaches!
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