'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
FC Kryvbas and Viktoria Plzen get underway in the Europa League qualifiers when they square off in the first leg of their third qualifying round clash on Thursday. Miroslav Koubek’s men have enjoyed a solid start to the new Czech top-flight campaign and will journey to the Kosicka futbalova arena looking to secure a vital first-leg advantage.
FC Kryvbas picked up a dream start to the 2024-25 Ukrainian Premier League season as they secured a 1-0 victory over Chornomorets last Saturday.
After taking the lead in the sixth minute courtesy of Yehor Tverdokhlib, Yuriy Vernydub’s side turned in a solid defensive display as they held firm to secure all three points.
FC Kryvbas will now look to build on that result as they begin their quest for European football, having finished third in the Premier League standings last season.
Viktoria Plzen, on the other hand, were denied a third consecutive victory in the 1. Liga last weekend as they played out a goalless draw with Jablonec.
Before that, Koubek’s men kicked off the 2024-25 league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Dukla Praha on July 20, one week before edging out Hradec Králove 1-0 on home turf.
Viktoria Plzen have booked their spot in the third qualifying round of the Europa League, having secured a third-placed finish in the league last season.
FC Kryvbas vs Viktoria Plzen Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Kryvbas and Viktoria Plzen, who will be both looking to begin their head-to-head record on a high.
- Viktoria Plzen have lost just one of their last 10 games in all competitions while claiming six wins and three draws since May.
- Kryvbas are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, picking up four wins and three draws since mid May.
- Viktoria Plzen have failed to win six of their last seven away games — losing twice and claiming four draws — with the 3-1 victory at Dukla Praha on July 20 being the exception.
FC Kryvbas vs Viktoria Plzen Prediction
Having enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign, Kryvbas have come into the new term with confidence and will be looking to get their quest for European football off on the right foot.
However, Plzen boast a superior and more experienced squad and we are backing them to come away with a narrow victory.
Prediction: FC Kryvbas 1-2 Viktoria Plzen
FC Kryvbas vs Viktoria Plzen Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Viktoria Plzen to win
Tip 2: Both sides to score - Yes (Viktoria Plzen have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five away matches)
Tip 3: Over 4.5 cards - No (There have also been fewer than five bookings in nine of the visitors’ last 10 outings)
