The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Ferencvaros (Hungary) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) will take place on February 13 at the Groupama Arena in Budapest. Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ferencvaros
Robbie Keane's side showed uncompromising results in the group stage: the Hungarians secured four wins and suffered as many defeats. As a result, the team finished in 17th place, two points shy of the 8th spot. Interestingly, in three of their victories, Ferencvaros scored exactly 4 goals. The club last participated in the Europa League in the 2022/23 season, achieving their best result by reaching the Round of 16.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Ferencvaros's last 8 Europa League matches.
- At home in this tournament, the team has not lost in 9 of their last 11 games (7 wins, 2 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 home Europa League matches, the Hungarians did not score more than once.
Predicted lineup for Ferencvaros (3-5-2)
Adam Varga – Eldar Civic, Stefan Gartenmann, Ibrahim Sissoko – Habib Maiga, Mohamed Abu Fani, Alex Toth, Chebrail Makreckis, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdan – Barnabas Varga, Adama Traore.
Viktoria Plzen
The Czechs started the tournament well, remaining unbeaten in five matches (2 wins, 3 draws), and until the final round, Miroslav Koubek's side was in contention for a top-eight finish. However, a defeat to Athletic dropped the team to 16th place. Notably, Plzen has scored in six consecutive Europa League matches. It is also worth mentioning that Viktoria Plzen last appeared in the Europa League in the 2018/19 season, reaching the playoff stage.
Forward Daniel Vashulin will miss the match due to suspension.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the Czechs' last 6 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" appeared in the final score in 6 of Viktoria Plzen's last 8 away Europa League matches.
- The club has not lost in 5 of their last 6 away Europa League matches (3 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Viktoria Plzen (4-4-2)
Martin Jedlicka – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh, Milan Havel – Pavel Sulc, Lukas Cerv, Lukas Kalvach, Kadu Cruz – Matej Vydra, Prince Kwabena Adu.
Match Prediction: Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
The group stage matches of these teams delighted fans with their high-scoring nature. The attack rarely faltered, while the defense lacked reliability. I believe their head-to-head clash will not be lacking in excitement.
The Hungarians failed to score in only two away matches during the group stage. At home in the Europa League, the team found the net in 12 of their last 14 matches. Robbie Keane's side approaches the upcoming game with a four-match streak of conceding goals in the Europa League. In their last 9 home matches in this tournament, Ferencvaros has kept a clean sheet only twice.
The Czechs "shut out" only Anderlecht and Ludogorets during the group stage. Notably, the Bulgarians were the lowest-scoring team in the tournament. It should also be mentioned that Miroslav Koubek's team failed to score only against Ludogorets. Additionally, both teams scored in 5 of Plzen's last 6 away matches in the 2024/25 Europa League.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
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