Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Prediction 12.12.2024 | Europa League

• Competition: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Thursday, 12nd, December 2024
• Kickoff: 17:45 UK / 18.45 CEST
• Venue: Doosan Arena (Plzen)

Level on points in the league phase table, Viktoria Plzen and Manchester United will meet at the Doosan Arena in Thursday's UEFA Europa League matchday six clash.

Although Viktoria Plzen appeared to be heading for a major setback in their title chase during the weekend league clash, Pavel Sulc refused to let that happen, leading his team to a comeback 2-1 victory over Karvina with late brace. Now, the team in red-and-blue kits shifts its focus to the European campaign, aiming to protect their unbeaten start of two wins and three draws, leaving them just one point shy of the automatic qualification spots.

Next up is a stern test of taking on a Manchester United side, who have undergone a transformation on the touchline with Ruben Amorim stepping in for Erik ten Hag, but the Portuguese manager’s start to his tenure has failed to meet expectations. Granted, it is a small consolation for the Red Devils that they remain one of the teams with no losses after their opening five matches on the European stage, as three draws on the bounce were followed by back-to-back wins over PAOK and Bodo/Glimt.

Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Betting Tips: AH1 (+1.5)

On paper, the strength and quality clearly favor the English club, but given their rollercoaster form, we believe they will struggle to earn points in the Czech Republic. We say this primarily because Viktoria Plzen have made their Doosan Arena impregnable, as they have not lost any of their 13 home matches across all competitions this season (W10, D3), and we expect them to give the English side a lot of trouble. Judging by the early results, it’s clear that Ruben Amorim’s arrival may not restore the glory days at Old Trafford that were lost after Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. 

Despite being on the bench as his team slumped to back-to-back losses in the Premier League, the newly appointed manager also guided the Red Devils to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt, yet all of this still gives off an air of disbelief. On the road, the situation for Man Utd is even more complicated, as it sounds shocking that they have won only once of their 10 matches on foreign soil this season, while their search for a new victory has stretched to three months - drawing five and losing two in that dry spell. Based on everything we've seen so far, we firmly believe that Viktoria Plzen will put up a fierce resistance and make it a difficult day for Amorim's men, who have shown little hope on their away games this season.