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 overall stage: the Hungarians secured four wins and suffered four losses. As a result, the team finished in 17th place, two points behind the 8th position. 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 have been 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 have not scored more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Ferencvaros (3-5-2)
Adam Varga – Eldar Civic, Stefan Gartenmann, Ibrahima Sissoko – Habib Maiga, Mohammed Abu Fani, Alex Toth, Chebrail Makreckis, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdan – Barnabas Varga, Adama Traore.
Midfielder Habib Maiga is sidelined with an injury.
Viktoria Plzen
The Czechs had a strong start to the tournament, remaining unbeaten in five matches (2 wins, 3 draws), and until the last round, Miroslav Koubek's side was vying for a top-eight finish. However, a loss to Athletic dropped the team to 16th place. Notably, Plzen has scored in six consecutive Europa League matches. Viktoria Plzen last appeared in the Europa League in the 2018/19 season, also reaching the playoff stage.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the last 6 games involving the Czechs in this tournament.
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline 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, Samson Dweh, Milan Havel – Pavel Sulc, Lukas Cerv, Lukas Kalvach, Cadu Cruz – Matej Vydra, Prince Kwabena Adu.
Forward Daniel Vashulin will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Giorgi Kruashvili (Georgia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction: Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
The matches between these teams in the group stage were thrilling for fans, characterized by productive attacks and less reliable defenses. I believe their head-to-head encounter will be no different.
The Hungarians failed to score in only two away games during the main stage. At home in the Europa League, the team has scored 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. Moreover, Ferencvaros has kept a clean sheet in only two of their last nine home matches in this tournament.
The Czechs managed to "dry out" only Anderlecht and Ludogorets in the group stage. Notably, Ludogorets was the lowest-scoring team in the tournament. It's also worth mentioning that Miroslav Koubek's side failed to score only against Ludogorets. Furthermore, 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
