Prediction: Plzen vs Hearts

Verdict: Plzen win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their Europa League qualifying campaign underway on Thursday evening, Hearts will travel to the Doosan Arena when they meet Plzen.

Plzen

Starting with the hosts, while some in Plzen’s camp might have been left disappointed last season as they limped their way over the finishing line, Miroslav Koubek’s men have come roaring back this time around. Extending on their Europa League qualifying adventure last week as they secured a 3-1 aggregate victory against Ukrainian outfit Kryvbas, the former Bohemians boss will be confident of collecting a first-leg advantage here. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they cruised their way to a routine 3-0 romp away at Ceske Budejovice, Plzen are in the midst of what has become a real purple patch. Along with mustering 13 points from their opening five domestic appearances this season, Thursday’s hosts have also won each of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-1.

Team News

While Cory Sene might still be serving a domestic suspension, the former Lens youngster is free to feature on Thursday evening. However, still dealing with a stacked injury list, Plzen will once agin be without the likes of Viktor Baier, Rafiu Durosinmi, Lukas Hejda, Martin Jedlicka and academy graduate Jan Paluska here.

Finding the net in back-to-back Europa League qualifying appearances against Kryvbas earlier in the month, 26-year-old Daniel Vasulin will play a leading role in the final third. Arriving at the Doosan Arena this summer, Czech Republic U21 international Tom Sloncik will start in the middle of the park.

Hearts

As for the visitors, while Hearts might have enjoyed a real domestic flurry last season as they secured a bronze medal finish among Scotland’s elite, the Jambos are drastically seeking some kind of boost this time around. Putting in another worrying performance last weekend as they watched their League Cup adventure come to an abrupt end thanks to a 2-0 defeat away at Falkirk, Steven Naismith’s men have come under some recent scrutiny. Hit with a shock 3-1 drumming at the hands of Dundee FC earlier in the month, the Edinburgh-based outfit should be bracing themselves for a real challenge here. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 defeat against Fleetwood, Thursday’s guests have now recorded just a single victory from any of their previous 12 appearances extending on from their summer rut.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent calf injury, Hearts will once again be without the services of former Everton youngster Beni Baningime on Thursday evening. Likewise, not making a single appearance across any competition since the start of March, Australia international Calem Nieuwenhof will not play any part at the Doosan Arena.

Notching 24 Premiership goals in his 37 top-flight appearances last season, attacking talisman Lawrence Shankland will spearhead the Jambos’ charge here. Arriving from Premier League outfit Brentford this summer on a free transfer, Daniel Oyegoke will partner Frankie Kent at the back.

Key Factors to Consider

• Plzen have won each of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-1.
• Thursday’s hosts have conceded just a single strike from any of their previous six appearances.
• Continuing on from their pre-season preparations, Hearts have secured just a single victory from any of their previous 12 matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, the Jambos have scored just a single goal from any of their opening three competitive appearances this season.
• Extending on from last season, Hearts have failed to record a victory away from Tynecastle since the start of April.

Conclusion

While Hearts might be excited to get their Europa League qualifying adventure underway on Thursday evening, the Jambos will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Drastically struggling to find any kind of stability on either side of the summer break, they will meet a high-flying Plzen in midweek. With Thursday’s hosts winning all of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-1, we are backing a home victory at the Doosan Arena.

Verdict: Plzen win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Luckster