Sabasports Match Preview
Europa League: Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United
Kickoff Time: 2024-12-13 01:45(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Last weekend, Viktoria Plzen secured a 2-1 away victory against Karvina in the league, marking an impressive unbeaten streak of six wins and one draw in the last seven matches. Plzen is a traditional powerhouse from the Czech and has extensive experience in European competitions, making their overall strength not to be underestimated. Plzen primarily utilizes a 3-4-2-1 formation, with high pressing and quick counterattacks being their hallmark tactical approach. They tear apart opponents’ defenses through rapid ball movement and precise wing breakthroughs. Moreover, Plzen has a formidable home advantage; they remain unbeaten at home this season, having even defeated La Liga’s strong team Real Sociedad.
Last weekend, Manchester United lost 2-3 at home to Nottingham Forest, resulting in Ruben Amorim’s first back-to-back league defeats since taking charge of the Red Devils. Currently, Manchester United plays in a 3-4-3 formation, where Amorim places a strong emphasis on the pressing and width creation. The team also features two attacking midfielders to maintain adequate pressure in the central attack alongside the center-forward. Attacks can be launched not only from the wings but also directly from the back. In Amorim’s 3-4-3 attacking system, Rasmus Hojlund has received more attacking support than ever before, and he found the back of the net in the last match, marking a return to scoring form. However, the entire Manchester United team is still clearly adapting to the new formation, and defensive errors remain a significant issue.
Despite Plzen’s recent hot form, when considering overall strength, Manchester United is still a class above Plzen. Additionally, since Amorim’s arrival, Manchester United’s attacking performance has significantly improved. Given that Manchester United urgently needs a victory to get back on track, it would be reasonable to believe that the Red Devils can emerge victorious against Plzen, whose overall strength falls short in comparison.
Viktoria Plzen’s Last 5 Games: WDWWW
24-12-08 Karvina 1-2 Viktoria Plzen
24-12-06 Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Teplice
24-12-02 Viktoria Plzen 3-2 Jablonec
24-11-29 Dynoma Kyiv 1-2 Viktoria Plzen
24-11-24 Hradec Kralove 0-1 Viktoria Plzen
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: LLWWD
24-12-08 Manchester United 2-3 Nottingham Forest
24-12-05 Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
24-12-01 Manchester United 4-0 Everton
24-11-29 Manchester United 3-2 Bodoe/Glimt
24-11-25 Ipswich Town 1-1 Manchester United
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Manchester United to win