Football
Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction Dec 12, 2024
Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United clash in Europa League action on Thursday night, SportsBoom takes a closer look at this encounter, bringing you all the latest news and early betting odds, as well as our prediction ahead of kick-off. Plus, you can boost your betting potential with the top bonus offers from our recommended football bonus codes sites!
Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United//Getty Images
Pre-game odds and win probability – United are the Bookmakers Pick
Viktoria Plzen: 24/5 (5.8) – 17.2%
Draw: 7/2 (4.5) – 22.2%
Manchester United: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
Head-To-Head Record
Thursday nights clash will be the first time these two teams meet, and we think 90 tense minutes will be the order of the day.
Viktoria Plzen Current Form – WWWWW
The hosts head into this clash on Thursday, looking to extend an unbeaten run that has remained intact even after the weekend’s affairs. The Czech side have been incredible form, not just when they have the ball at their feet, but also when chasing the game. on Sunday, they saw themselves fall behind at Karvina, but thanks to a second-half brace by Pavel Sule – their unbeaten run was kept without blemish.
Key Players to Watch
- Pavel Sulc: Topping the charts for the Czech team in front of goal, he will no doubt be looking to add to his tally when United make the trip across the continent. Sulc has seen his time with Plzen resurge over the past 18 months, and it is that sort of confidence that is needed to face a shaky United defence.
- Cadu Cruz: The Brazilian has been the heart of pretty much all of his side’s creativity, he may come up against countrymen Casemiro here, but Cruz will want to in the midfield battle and drive his side forward.
- Sampson Dweh: Three goals in his 22 appearances doesn’t seem like to much to run home about, but his ability to work off the ball and close down space defensively for his side is what could be the difference on Thursday evening.
Viktoria Plzen Team News
The hosts are without any injury concerns ahead of their clash with Manchester United.
Manchester United Form – LLWWD
Domestically speaking, United are currently seeing their worst ever start to a league campaign in the history of their club! They slipped to another disappointing result in the league on Saturday, losing 3-2 to a spirited New Forest side in their own back yard.
Pressure has begun to mount on coach Ruben Amorim, but the new coach was always going to need time and patience for the job required at Old Trafford. The real concern, at least in our opinion, is that United are once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The frustrations and pressures being felt with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the moment are no doubt compounded when the team seemingly struggles.
Key Players to Watch
- Andre Onana: The goalkeeper comes into this game with a dent in his confidence, but he has been immense for United. Possibly one of the most underrated keepers in Europe, United will be hopeful of another positive performance from their number one!
- Diogo Dalot: A player who is seemingly thriving under his team’s new shape, Dalot has shown that he is capable of adding attacking value to his defensive priority. He’s a player who can drive his side forward and change a game on a dime!
- Leny Yoro: He is an interesting one, he’s just come back from injury and so we don’t think his two games so far are clear indicators of his ability…however, he is incredibly highly rated and given the talk around him he could be vital for United’s success.
Manchester United Team News
United are without Luke Shaw (Muscle injury), Jonny Evans (Unknown) and Victor Lindelof (Groin injury).
Predicted Line-Up
Viktoria Plzen: 4-2-3-1
Jedlicka, Havel, Jemelka, Markovic, Dweh, Kalvach, Jirka, Sulc, Cerv, Souare, Vydra.
Manchester United: 3-4-2-1
Onana, de Ligt, Dalot, Martinez, Yoro, Fernandes, Ugarte, Mainoo, Garnacho, Diallo, Hojlund
Suggested Bets
We think this will be a tight affair, but within that there are definitely avenues to explore for maximum Europa League betting returns!
Draw: United are unbeaten in the Europa League, but they have struggled to get over the line when it matters most. Furthermore, the scoring ability of their hosts make us think that a draw is the play on Thursday night. 33/10 (4.3) with Betway.
Both Teams to Score: Both teams have scored in four of the last five games for both these two teams. They both have incredible firepower upfront, but on the same token neither have showed a defensive ability! 18/25 (1.72) with Betway.
Rasmus Hojlund – Anytime Scorer: The attacking forward has scored eight goals in eleven European games for United since joining and against a lack luster defence, we back him to find the back of the net. 9/2 (5.5) *Forcast odds
Value Bets
Over 2.5 Goals: If you can’t find the confidence to back the draw or both teams scoring, over 2.5 goals is a bit of a safety net at 31/50 (1.62) with Betway.
Correct Score (2-2): We think a high scoring game is on the cards here, especially given the defensive inconsistencies of both these two teams. Back the draw, and correct score at 15/1 (16.00) with Betway.
Manchester Win: In all honesty, this is truly an outsider bet, but United to win away from home has so much value. The opposition the hosts have faced has been somewhat weaker and so United might see their class carry them through here. 14/25 (1.56) with Betway.
Prediction: Draw
You have two sides who are both unbeaten in the competition, two sides who have both scored goals without hesitation or concern. They are also two sides who have struggled defensively and seen their respective teams ship goals in for free.
Our prediction here is a draw – get on!
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose articles have featured in some of the biggest sports publications in South Africa. With a strong understanding of all major sports and an in-depth understanding of betting, Ryan consistently delivers insightful content. He's also known for his ability to break down complex topics into engaging, reader-friendly pieces.