Manchester United have never won in Czechia in three attempts, beaten by Dukla Prague in 1957, before being held to draws by the same opposition in 1983 and when they most-recently visited two decades ago, it finished goalless against Sparta Prague back in 2004, so will it be fourth time lucky for the Red Devils?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Preview
Manchester United kick off 12th in the gigantic Europa League table, a point adrift the coveted top eight positions, so will they claim a victory that'll massively enhance their chance of going straight through to the round of 16? Back when Erik ten Hag was still at the helm, the Red Devils commenced their European campaign with three successive stalemates, held to draws by Twente at home and then both Porto and Fenerbahçe on the road.
Nevertheless, they've since enjoyed back-to-back victories at Old Trafford, swatting aside PAOK 2-0 under Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amad with a brace, before Rasmus Højlund's double helped them fight back from 2-1 down to defeat Bodø/Glimt. Man United will still fancy their chances of snatching a top eight spot, with Rangers (H) and Steaua București (A) to come in January, but Rúben Amorim's team travel to Czechia under pressure, having lost their last two Premier League outings, defeated by Arsenal in North London and then, at the weekend, embarrassingly beaten by Nottingham Forest at home. Thus, ahead of Sunday's huge Manchester derby at the Etihad, will the Red Devils collect three points on the European road?
Click here to know our detailed Man United predicted lineup vs Viktoria Plzen
Viktoria Plzeň meantime start the night below their vastly more illustrious visitors by virtue of goal difference alone, also yet to taste defeat in this season's Europa Leaue. A fortnight ago, Miroslav Koubek's team beat bottom of the table Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg, with Matěj Vydra and then Pavel Šulc the scorers at an eerily empty Volksparkstadion. Before that, they'd also sprung a surprise by defeating Real Sociedad 2-1 at Doosan Arena.
Overall, they are currently mirroring Man United's results, having also drawn three and then won two, most-notably scoring twice in the final four minutes to pinch a point in Frankfurt, also earning a share of the spoils against Ludogorets Razgrad and PAOK. Having won six Czech titles since 2011, Viktoria Plzeň are competing in a tenth UEFA group stage in 14 seasons, never going further than the round of 16 in the Europa League, but currently in a strong position to at least feature in February's play-offs, with Anderlecht and Athletic Club their final two opponents. Thus, can Viktoriáni claim a major scalp when Man United visit Stadion města Plzně on Thursday evening?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Head-to-Head Record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Viktoria Plzeň Team News
Miroslav Koubek, like his opposite number in the touchline, favours a back three, which should make for a fascinating tactical match-up. He's likely to name a similar line-up compared to the one that beat MFK Karviná 2-1 on Sunday, but Brazilian Cadu could displace Milan Havel at right-wing-back. Pavel Šulc bagged a brace in that 2-1 weekend win, taking his tally to ten for the season, including goals against Eintracht Frankfurt and Dynamo Kyiv during this league phase. Svetozar Marković, Sampson Dweh and the aformentioned Havel are all one booking away from a ban.
Viktoria Plzeň predicted lineup vs Manchester United: (3-4-1-2): Jedlička; Jemelka, Marković, Dweh; Cadu, Červ, Kalvach, Souaré; Šulc, Jirka, Vydra.
Viktoria Plzeň Player to Watch vs Manchester United
Matěj Vydra may be a familiar faces to English football fans, having previously spent a decade in England with Watford, West Bromwich Albion, Reading, Derby and Burnley, never scoring in five attempts against Man United, so can he change that fact on Thursday?
Manchester United Team News
Rúben Amorim has been heavily rotating game-to-game since arriving and, with Sunday's trip to Man City in mind, this trend will continue. Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelöf are currently the only first-team player out injured, meaning Tyrell Malacia could get another opportunity at left-wing-back, while Leny Yoro made his long-awaited full-debut on Saturday. In attack, both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee bagged braces during the demolition of Everton, but neither have started since, so will that change here? A caution in Czechia would see Casemiro be suspended for January's clash with Rangers.
Know more about the latest Man United injury news ahead of clash against Viktoria Plzen
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Viktoria Plzeň: (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martínez; Amad, Casemiro, Eriksen, Malacia; Fernandes, Rashford, Zirkzee.
Manchester United Player to Watch vs Viktoria Plzeň
Marcus Rashford has seven goals to his name this season, while he's also scored 14 times in the Europa League in his career, so can he add to this tally?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Prediction
We're backing Man United to collect three points in Czechia. The Red Devils are winless in six European away games, dating back to March 2023, but we can see this streak coming to an end, with the visitors simply proving too strong: Viktoria Plzeň 0-2 Manchester United.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United FAQs - Europa League
How to watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Europa League game on TV channel?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Europa League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+, ViX & TUDN USA.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Europa League game on live streaming?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United Europa League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United in the Europa League?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Manchester United takes place on Thursday 12 December 2024, with kick off at 17:45 (GMT), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PST).