Viktoria Plzen square off against Ludogorets Razgrad on Thursday looking to build on their impressive start to the Europa League main stage.
While the Czech side were securing a draw against Bundesliga opposition, Ludogorets were losing to another team from Czech Republic.
Match preview
© Imago
When Viktoria Plzen were doing through upmost to qualifying for this competition, they were able to put together a six-match winning streak during August.
Since then, though, the wheels have come off to a certain degree, regardless of their statement 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
Scoring twice in the final four minutes plus added-on time against the 2022-23 Europa League winners represented one of their best salvation acts in their history.
Nevertheless, it has papered over the cracks of just one win being posted in five outings, with just four points being accumulated from as many games in the Czech top flight.
After the 1-1 draw with 10th-placed Mlada Boleslav, Plzen sit seven points adrift of leaders Slavia Prague, who coincidentally faced Ludogorets on matchday one of this tournament.
The Bulgarian outfit had been on an eight-game unbeaten run before they went down 2-0 at home to Slavia Prague, with the visitors netting either side of half time.
That also ended a streak of four successive clean sheets for Igor Jovicevic's team at a time when they boast an incredible defensive record on the domestic front.
Just one goal has been shipped in nine matches, with that coming in the second game when Arda netted a consolation strike in the 88th minute when already trailing 5-0.
Despite the setback last week, there will be every confidence that they can show a level of resilience to earn at least a share of the spoils from this contest.
Team News
Barring any fitness issues, Miroslav Koubek is unlikely to make any changes to his Viktoria Plzen XI from the game in Frankfurt.
Lukas Cerv and Matej Vydra were restricted to second-half outings in the league on Sunday and should come back into the team.
Jovicevic may also take the same approach with his Ludogorets side having also rested a number of players at the weekend.
Ivaylo Chochev got on the scoresheet against Botev Vratsa but the midfielder is expected to start this contest among the replacements.
Caio Vidal and Kwadwo Duah should be restored in the final third for the visitors.
Viktoria Plzen possible starting lineup:
Jedlicka; Jemelka, Markovic, Dweh; Cadu, Cerv, Sulc, Kalvach, Havel; Sdu, Vydra
Ludogorets Razgrad possible starting lineup:
Padt; Witry, Verdon, Almeida, Son; Piotrowski, Naressi; Vidal, Cruz, Rick; Duah
We say: Viktoria Plzen 3-1 Ludogorets Razgrad
While there is an argument that Ludogorets will be more familiar with taking on Czech opposition, facing a team from that country on away territory will be a stiffer task. With that in mind, we expect Plzen to come through with flying colours, strengthening their bid to finish in the last 24.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
