Viktoria Plzen vs Anderlecht Prediction - Europa League
As Viktoria Plzen gear up to face RSC Anderlecht in the penultimate round of the Europa League on 23 January 2025, both teams will be keen to secure valuable points at the Doosan Arena Plzen. Despite sitting in 17th position in the league standings, Viktoria Plzen has shown a knack for finding the net, averaging 2.60 goals per game over their last five matches. Their top scorer, Matej Vydra, will look to add to his tally against tough opposition.
Anderlecht, unbeaten in their last eight tournament matches, hold 3rd position. This Belgian side has been defensively solid, recording three clean sheets in their last five fixtures. Key player Yari Verschaeren will be pivotal.
The weather is expected to be chilly at 4°C with overcast clouds, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Given both teams’ attacking capabilities, our recommended bet is for both teams to score, with odds at 1.69. Expect an intriguing clash with goals at both ends.
Viktoria Plzen vs Anderlecht Prediction & Betting Tip
Given both clubs’ potent offensive capabilities and recent form, we recommend betting on both teams to score in this Europa League clash. Viktoria Plzen and Anderlecht are known for their attacking style, which is reflected in their scoring stats this season.
| Viktoria Plzen vs. Anderlecht Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes) | 1.69 |
- Viktoria Plzen averages 2.60 goals per game in their last five matches.
- Anderlecht have scored in six consecutive Europa League fixtures.
- Both teams have significant attacking threats like Matej Vydra and Yari Verschaeren.
Viktoria Plzen vs Anderlecht Odds
Here’s how the odds stack up for this Europa League clash at the Doosan Arena Plzeň:
| Viktoria Plzen vs. Anderlecht Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Viktoria Plzen | 2.18 |
| Draw | 3.38 |
| Anderlecht | 3.25 |
These odds suggest that Viktoria Plzeň is the bookmaker’s favorite, likely due to their solid recent form and home advantage, despite their overall position in the standings being lower than Anderlecht. Given both teams’ attacking prowess, expect a tight contest where goals from both sides seem probable.
Viktoria Plzen Team Analysis
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| AIK | Viktoria Plzen | 0-2 (Win) |
| Viktoria Plzen | SK Dynamo Ceske Budejovice | 7-2 (Win) |
| Viktoria Plzen | Manchester United | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Karvina | Viktoria Plzen | 1-2 (Win) |
| Viktoria Plzen | Teplice | 1-1 (Draw) |
Viktoria Plzen have shown a decent run of form recently, registering three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches, which gives them a form of WWLWD. They have scored an impressive average of 2.60 goals per game in these fixtures, highlighting their attacking prowess. Despite this, they have managed just one clean sheet in these games, indicating some defensive fragility. This aligns with their overall season performance, scoring in 83% of their matches but struggling with consistency due to their 17th-place standing.
Viktoria Plzen Key Players
Matej Vydra is undoubtedly a principal player for Viktoria Plzen, having scored three goals this season. His ability to influence the game as a right attacking midfielder will be crucial. Pavel Sulc, also in the attacking midfield, offers creativity and goal-scoring ability, making him another key figure. Defensively, Sampson Dweh and Svetozar Markovic will need to be solid to counter Anderlecht’s attack.
Expected lineup for Viktoria Plzen:
- Goalkeeper: Martin Jedlicka
- Defenders: Sampson Dweh, Svetozar Markovic, Vaclav Jemelka
- Midfielders: Carlos Eduardo Lopes Cruz Cadu, Lukas Kalvach, Lukas Cerv, Cheick Souaré
- Attackers: Matej Vydra, Pavel Sulc, Daniel Vasulin
Key Battles to watch:
- Vydra vs Anderlecht’s Foket
- Vasulin vs Anderlecht’s defensive duo
Viktoria Plzen Suspensions & Injuries
Viktoria Plzen have several players on the injury list, which could impact their performance against Anderlecht.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Rafiu Durosinmi | Unknown | Early February 2025 |
| Christophe Kabongo | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
| Matej Valenta | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
With three key players sidelined, coach Miroslav Koubek will have to rethink his strategy. The absence of Rafiu Durosinmi and Christophe Kabongo weakens their midfield options, while Matej Valenta’s knee injury further limits their defensive depth. This could place additional pressure on the available squad members to step up.
Viktoria Plzen Tactics and Formation
Viktoria Plzen Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Daniel Vasulin
- Midfield Engine: Lukas Kalvach and Lukas Cerv
- Defensive Trio: Sampson Dweh, Svetozar Markovic, and Vaclav Jemelka
- Notable Strategy: Utilizing width and overlapping wing-backs to create scoring opportunities
Miroslav Koubek favors a formation that allows Plzen to flood the midfield and control the game’s tempo. Cheick Souaré and Carlos Eduardo Lopes Cruz Cadu are pivotal on the wings, providing crucial support to the attacking midfielders Pavel Sulc and Matej Vydra. Their defensive setup aims to remain solid, although they have only managed one clean sheet in their last five games. Expect Plzen to exploit Anderlecht’s injury-weakened defense with quick, wide play.
Anderlecht Team Analysis
Anderlecht have had a rollercoaster of recent performances, showing resilience despite an injury-hit squad. Their last five matches highlight a decent run, with 3 wins and 2 losses, maintaining a better position in the standings. Their defense has been notably robust, recording 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games. They’ve managed to score an average of 1.20 goals per match, showing efficiency up front.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Kortrijk | Anderlecht | 0-2 (Win) |
| Anderlecht | Royal Antwerp | 1-0 (Win) |
| Anderlecht | Club Brugge | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Beerschot | Anderlecht | 0-1 (Win) |
| Anderlecht | FCV Dender EH | 2-3 (Loss) |
Despite their ups and downs, Anderlecht’s ability to secure wins and maintain clean sheets has kept them competitive.
Anderlecht Key Players
For Anderlecht, several players stand out as key figures in their expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans
- Defenders: Thomas Foket, Moussa N’Diaye, Jan-Carlo Simic, Ludwig Augustinsson
- Midfielders: Yari Verschaeren, Leander Dendoncker, Mats Rits, Theo Leoni
- Attackers: Luis Vázquez, Nilson Angulo
Yari Verschaeren, the top scorer with 2 goals, will be crucial in midfield. His battle against Viktoria Plzen’s Lukas Kalvach could be pivotal. Luis Vázquez, leading the forward line, will be one to watch against Plzen’s Svetozar Markovic. Midfield dynamics featuring Leander Dendoncker’s defensive prowess and Mats Rits’ versatility might also play a significant role.
Anderlecht Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Majeed Ashimeru | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Mario Stroeykens | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Jan Vertonghen | Sprained ankle | About 1-2 weeks |
| Francis Amuzu | Concussion | A few days |
| Kasper Dolberg | Knee injury | Late February 2025 |
| Samuel Edozie | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Moussa N’Diaye | Hamstring Injury | Late January 2025 |
Anderlecht’s squad is dealing with several injury concerns, which could impact their performance. Key defender Jan Vertonghen will be absent, leaving a significant hole in their backline. Majeed Ashimeru and Mario Stroeykens are doubtful, which could weaken their midfield options. The attack also takes a hit with the absence of Kasper Dolberg and the potentially hurried return of Samuel Edozie. These injuries may force coach Jan Michaelsen to rely on less experienced players or adapt his tactics accordingly.
Anderlecht Tactics and Formation
Anderlecht’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Yari Verschaeren
- Midfield Duo: Leander Dendoncker, Mats Rits
- Defensive Setup: Four-man backline with experienced full-backs Thomas Foket and Ludwig Augustinsson providing width.
- Notable Strategy: High pressing to regain possession quickly and transition into wide attacks.
Jan Michaelsen often employs a 4-4-2 formation, capitalizing on wide play and the attacking prowess of Yari Verschaeren. The midfield partnership of Dendoncker and Rits offers a blend of defensive stability and creativity. Verschaeren, as their top scorer, will aim to exploit any gaps in Viktoria Plzen’s defense.
Despite multiple injuries, Anderlecht’s tactical flexibility has consistently seen them score in six consecutive matches in this tournament. Their disciplined defense, reinforced by three clean sheets in their last five games, adds to their resilience on the pitch.
