Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United: betting odds December 12, 2024

Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 Europa League group stage sees Viktoria Plzeň (Czech Republic) face Manchester United (England) on December 12 at the Doosan Arena. Viktoria Plzeň vs. Manchester United: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Referee: Marian Barbu (Romania)

Matches – 13 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 45;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties – 23%.

Predicted lineups for Viktoria Plzeň vs. Manchester United

Viktoria Plzeň (3-5-2): Martin Jedlička – Václav Jemelka, Svetozar Marković, Sampson Dweh – Sheikh Souaré, Lukáš Červ, Pavel Šulc, Lukáš Kalvach, Cadu Cruz – Erik Jirka, Matěj Vydra.

Manchester United (3-4-3): André Onana – Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez – Tyrell Malacia, Antony Matheus, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes – Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount, Rasmus Højlund.

The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.

Viktoria Plzeň

The Czech side began the new format of the Europa League with three consecutive draws. However, in the last two rounds, they secured victories: at home against Real Sociedad and away against Dynamo Kyiv, both with a 2-1 scoreline. The club is unbeaten in this tournament for nine matches (6 wins and 3 draws), placing them 13th in the standings, just one point away from the top eight.

• The club scored first in 6 of their last 8 Europa League games.
• The number "1" appeared in the final score of 7 of Viktoria Plzeň’s last 10 matches in this European competition.
• The first half ended in a draw in 7 of Viktoria Plzeň’s last 8 matches in this tournament.

Manchester United

The English side has similar key statistics to the Czechs but sits one place higher in the table due to a better goal difference. The Red Devils also started the tournament with three consecutive draws, all of which were high-scoring. In the last two group stage matches, they defeated PAOK (2-0) and Bodø/Glimt (3-2). Prior to the PAOK match, Manchester United had a five-match winless streak in the Europa League (4 draws and 1 loss).

• Both teams scored in 8 of Manchester United's last 11 matches in this tournament.
• In their last 16 Europa League matches, Manchester United has lost only once (10 wins and 5 draws).
• One team won with a clean sheet in the second half in 9 of Manchester United's last 10 games in this European competition.

Viktoria Plzeň vs. Manchester United: Match Prediction

After five rounds in the Europa League, seven teams remain unbeaten, including the opponents in this upcoming match. It is quite possible that both the Czechs and the English will continue their unbeaten streaks, but with a safety net, I suggest a handicap on the hosts. The Red Devils are certainly stronger, but they are unlikely to show their maximum in this match, as they will have their minds on the upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Notably, beating Viktoria on their home turf is very difficult. They have not lost in regulation time in 14 consecutive home matches in the Europa League, securing 13 wins and 1 draw in that span. Meanwhile, Manchester United has not won away in the Europa League in three consecutive matches (2 draws and 1 loss). Additionally, Manchester United has not won by a margin of two or more goals in their last seven away games in the Europa League.

My prediction: Viktoria Plzeň with a handicap (+1)