The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Ferencvaros (Hungary) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) will take place on February 13 at the Groupama Arena in Budapest. Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ferencvaros
Robbie Keane's side delivered uncompromising results in the group stage: the Hungarians secured four wins and suffered four defeats. As a result, the team finished 17th, two points shy of the 8th spot. Interestingly, Ferencvaros scored exactly four goals in three of their victories. The club last participated in the Europa League in the 2022/23 season, achieving their best result by reaching the round of 16.
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of Ferencvaros's last 8 Europa League matches.
- The team has not lost in 9 of their last 11 home games in this tournament (7 wins, 2 draws).
- In 5 of their last 7 home fixtures in the Europa League, the Hungarians scored no more than once.
Predicted lineup for Ferencvaros (3-5-2)
Adam Varga – Eldar Civic, Stefan Gartenmann, Ibrahima Sissoko – Habib Maiga, Mohammed Abu Fani, Alex Toth, Chebrail Makreckis, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane – Barnabas Varga, Adama Traore.
Viktoria Plzen
The Czechs started the tournament well, remaining unbeaten in five matches (2 wins, 3 draws), and until the last round, Miroslav Koubek's side was in contention for a top-eight finish. However, a defeat to Athletic dropped the team to 16th place. Notably, Plzen has scored in six consecutive Europa League matches. It's also worth mentioning that Viktoria hasn't been in the Europa League since the 2018/19 season, when they also reached the playoff stage.
Forward Daniel Vashulin will miss the match due to suspension.
- Both teams scored in 5 of the Czechs' last 6 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" appeared in the final score in 6 of the team's last 8 away matches in the Europa League.
- The club has not lost in 5 of their last 6 away games in the Europa League (3 wins, 2 draws).
Predicted lineup for Viktoria Plzen (4-4-2)
Martin Jedlicka – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh, Milan Havel – Pavel Schulz, Lukas Cerv, Lukas Kalvach, Kadu Cruz – Matej Vydra, Prince Kwabena Adu.
Referee
Giorgi Kruashvili (Georgia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 0%.
Match Prediction for Ferencvaros vs. Viktoria Plzen
The group stage matches of these teams were entertaining, with attacking play rarely faltering and defensive solidity lacking. I expect their head-to-head encounter to be equally thrilling.
The Hungarians failed to score in only two away matches in the group stage. At home in the Europa League, the team has scored in 12 of their last 14 matches. Robbie Keane's side approaches this game with a four-match streak in the Europa League conceding goals. In their last 9 home matches in this tournament, Ferencvaros has kept just two clean sheets.
The Czechs managed to shut out only Anderlecht and Ludogorets in the group stage. The Bulgarians were the lowest-scoring team in the tournament. It's worth adding that Miroslav Koubek's side failed to score only against Ludogorets. Additionally, both teams scored in 5 of Plzen's 6 away matches in the 2024/25 Europa League.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
