Manchester United face Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League this evening at the Doosan Arena.
United grabbed their second victory of the competition in the 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt. They have won their last two games and have garnered nine points.
Viktoria Plzen also picked up their second victory in the 2-1 triumph over Dynamo Kyiv. They have picked up the same number of points with the Red Devils.
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Match Preview
This is the first meeting between both sides. A win for either side will take them to the top eight on the standings. A spot in the top eight guarantees an automatic qualification spot to the round of 16.
United are not in the best shape heading into the game. They lost their last two games against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Viktoria Plzen have fared better, recording one win and a draw in their last two fixtures. They have one loss in their last 10 games in all competitions.
United have never won away from home against Czech opposition. Manager Ruben Amorim could be the first to guide the club to their first victory on Czech turf.
Viktoria Plzen are also yet to record a victory against an English side. Manchester City are the only English team they have faced. They lost the two encounters against them.
What to expect
Viktoria Plzen are not a possession-oriented side. The Red Devils are expected to dominate the fixture.
Despite liking to concede possession to the opposition, the Czech side are a good offensive side. United’s defence need to be at their best to stop them.
Viktoria Plzen have scored nine goals in the Europa League, one fewer than Man United. Five have come from open play, two through set-pieces, and two from counter-attacks. They are a good all-round attacking side.
The Red Devils attacking prowess should make this clash interesting. They have also demonstrated that they can hurt the opposition in various ways in this competition.
Key Players
Viktoria Plzen
Pavel Sulc: The 30-year-old has been central to Viktoria Plzen’s success this season. He has also been one of the best players in the Europa League this term. He has two goals and one assist in five games.
Martin Jedlicka: The 26-year-old goalkeeper has been brilliant for the Czech side. He is the reason they have let in just seven goals despite conceding many shots per game.
Man United
Amad Diallo: Facing a defensive side, Amorim needs the Ivorian decisiveness to break down the opposition. He has yet to provide an assist in the Europa League. He could register his first in this game.
Bruno Fernandes: The skipper has created 12 chances in this tournament. He is another player whose creativity will be needed to unlock Viktoria Plzen’s low block.
Stats from whoscored.com, fotmob.com.