Viktoria Plzeň
Crvena Zvezda
Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda Predictions, Picks & Odds – 27/08/2026
Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda – Best bets of the match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.90 | 3.55 | 3.25 | View Odds |
· Confidence Medium
Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda Preview
Viktoria Plzeň enter this second leg at the Doosan Aréna in desperate circumstances, trailing 3-0 on aggregate after a bruising first-leg defeat. The club responded by sacking manager Martin Hyský, handing the reins to Radoslav Kovac for what will be his debut home match in charge. Their recent domestic form has offered little encouragement, with a loss in their latest outing underlining the scale of the rebuild required.
Crvena Zvezda arrive in Plzeň brimming with confidence after that dominant first-leg victory. Manager Albert Riera rotated his entire starting eleven for a 4-0 domestic thrashing of Čukarički, ensuring his key players are fresh and rested. With five recent results yielding three wins, Zvezda carry genuine momentum. Their aggregate cushion at 3.25 allows them to sit deep and strike on the counter without any pressure to force the issue.
The X2 double chance selection covers both a draw and an away win, and the reasoning is straightforward. Crvena Zvezda hold a 3-0 aggregate advantage, meaning Plzeň must score at least three without reply just to force extra time. No team in recent Europa League play-off history has overturned such a deficit, and the hosts' recent form offers little encouragement after their opening loss prompted a managerial sacking.
Albert Riera's side rotated their entire starting XI for the weekend league fixture, a 4-0 demolition of Čukarički, ensuring fresh legs for this trip. That calculated squad management signals a team fully prepared to protect their cushion. The away win at 3.25 carries genuine appeal, while the draw at 3.55 provides additional coverage within the double chance framework.
Under 2.5 goals at N/A also merits attention. Crvena Zvezda have no tactical incentive to push forward aggressively; a controlled, compact approach suits their position perfectly. New Plzeň boss Radoslav Kovac may struggle to generate sustained attacking momentum in his very first home match. Odds and markets subject to change.
Trends to Know about Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda
- Zvezda hold commanding three-goal aggregate advantage
- Plzeň lost under previous manager recently
- Zvezda rested entire first team before trip
Form & Statistics: Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda
Viktoria Plzeň
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Crvena Zvezda
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda
Viktoria Plzeň
Starters
- 1 Florian Wiegele
- 2 Sampson Dweh
- 3 Amar Memic
- 4 Karel Spacil
- 5 Merchas Doski
- 6 Patrik Hrošovský
- 7 Lukáš Červ
- 8 Tomas Ladra
- 9 Cheick Souare
- 10 Christopher Kabongo
- 11 Prince Kwabena Adu
Bench
- Denis Visinsky
- Stefan Pirgic
- Jiří Panoš
- Sebastian Boháč
- Mohamed Touré
- Filip Prebsl
Absent
- Vaclav Jemelka (suspended)
- Jan Paluska (suspended)
- David Krcik (suspended)
- Vaclav Mika (injury)
- Viktor Baier (Achilles tendon rupture)
- Salim Fago Lawal (Soreness)
- Lukas Hejda (Missing (veteran centre-back))
Crvena Zvezda
Starters
- 1 Matheus
- 2 Seol Young-woo
- 3 Derrick Luckassen
- 4 Milos Veljkovic
- 5 Timi Elsnik
- 6 Rade Krunic
- 7 Vasilije Kostov
- 8 Mirko Ivanic
- 9 Osman Bukari
- 10 Marko Arnautovic
- 11 Muhammed Cham
Bench
- Rodrigao
- Mahmudu Bajo
- Jay Enem
- Aleksandar Katai
- Franklin Tebo Uchenna
- Vladimir Lucic
- Stefan Gudelj
- Savo Radanovic
- Matej Gashtarov
- Loizos Loizou
- Ivan Gutesa
Absent
- Lazar Jovanovic (suspended)
- Adem Avdić (injury)
Medium confidence
A compact 4-2-3-1 vs 4-3-3 contest shapes this Europa League play-off first leg in Plzeň. The home side's double pivot of Hrošovský and Červ will be tasked with screening against a Red Star midfield trio that includes the experienced Rade Krunic, making the central battle the likely axis of the tie.
For the visitors, Marko Arnautovic leads the line with Bukari and Cham providing width, giving Crvena Zvezda genuine pace on the counter. Plzeň's narrow midfield structure could leave their full-backs exposed, and how Doski and Dweh cope with that pressure in the wide channels may well decide the aggregate outcome.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda Match?
What time is Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda?
Viktoria Plzeň host Crvena Zvezda at the Doosan Aréna on 27 August 2026, with kickoff set for 18:00 BST.
Where is Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda being played?
This Europa League play-off second leg takes place at the Doosan Aréna in Plzeň, Czech Republic.
How Can I Watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Crvena Zvezda on TV and Live Stream?
This match is available to watch on Sony Sports Network and can be streamed via SonyLIV in India.