Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost on Thursday night, Manchester United will turn their attention back to Europa League action when they meet Viktoria Plzen on Thursday evening.
Viktoria Plzen
Starting with the hosts, although Viktoria Plzen might be seeking a miracle in the race to reclaim their domestic crown this season, Miroslav Koubek’s men are enjoying a recent flurry. Mounting an essential comeback away at Karvina over the weekend as they eventually snatched a 2-1 victory, the Czech outfit have collected 19 points from their previous seven appearances across all competitions. Really impressing since returning from November’s international break, the one-time Slavia Prague boss will be relishing a famous showdown at the Doosan Arena on Thursday evening. Although Plzen might be pencilled in as a real underdog here, they have certainly gained a reputation for their success on home soil. Including a sensational 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad last month, Koubek’s side have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters so far this season.
Viktoria Plzen Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Plzen will once again be without the Czech duo of Jan Sykora and former Slavia Prague youngster Matej Valenta here. Not featuring since returning from November’s International break, Ghana international Prince Kwabena Abu is not expected to be part of Koubek’s squad.
Finding the net against Dynamo Kyiv last month and recording a second Europa League strike of the season, ex-Burnley striker Matej Vydra will feature. Former Serbia U21 international Svetozar Markovic will partner Sampson Dweh at the back.
Manchester United
As for the visitors, while Manchester United might have opened December with a thumping 4-0 victory at home against Everton, the Reds have come crashing back down to earth over the past week. Missing out on what they billed as a golden opportunity as they fell to an action-packed 3-2 loss against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Ruben Amorim has failed to add any immediate stability since arriving at Old Trafford. Slumping to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of historic rivals Arsenal, the former Sporting Lisbon boss will also have a real headache over his side’s glaring defensive struggles. Despite dragging themselves to a thrilling 3-2 win against Bodo/Glimt on November 28th, Manchester United have recorded just a single clean sheet since Amorim’s arrival last month. Likewise, Thursday’s guests have conceded at least a pair of goals in three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
Manchester United Team News
Hit with yet another injury setback last month, Manchester United will once again be without England international Luke Shaw here. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance since returning from November’s international break, Swedish defender Victor Lindelof remains on the sidelines and will not travel with Amorim’s squad.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Nottingham Forest last weekend and now recording three goals in as many appearances, Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to keep his spot leading the line. Marcus Rashford will be hoping to be rewarded with a full recall on Thursday night.
Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United Key Factors to Consider
- Including an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Manchester United have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since the start of September.
- The Reds have conceded at least a pair of goals in three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, United have shipped 10 goals in their first five Europa League appearances.
- Viktoria Plzen have collected 19 points from their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- Manchester United have recorded just a single victory away from Old Trafford so far this season.
Conclusion
Eventually falling to a frantic 3-2 loss at home against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Manchester United are desperately seeking a much-needed boost. Suffering consecutive defeats for the first time since Amorim’s arrival last month, the Reds have also continued to show some glaring defensive struggles. Along with notching just a single victory away from Old Trafford this season, United have also conceded 10 goals in their first five Europa League showdowns. With Viktoria Plzen recording 19 points from their previous seven appearances across all fronts, Thursday’s hosts will be relishing a famous showdown here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Luckster
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