Europa League | League Stage

Jan 23, 2025 at 5.45pm UK

Doosan Arena

Plzen vs Anderlecht

Match preview

After finishing third in the Czech top flight last season, Viktoria Plzen secure a place in this year's Europa League.

Plzen defeated Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih 3-1 on aggregate in the first qualifying round and then went on to secure their place in the competition with a 2-0 aggregate win over Hearts in the play-off round.

As well as enjoying a strong domestic season in 2024-25, finishing second in the league with 43 points from 19 games, seven points behind the leaders, Plzen have had a positive time in the league.

Miroslav Koubek, in charge since July 2023, has guided his side to two wins, three draws and just one defeat from their six matches in the league phase, leaving them 17th in the standings with nine points, two clear of 25th-placed Braga.

The hosts will be looking for a win to consolidate their position in the top 24 ahead of the final round of matches in a week's time, with a win potentially enough to secure their place in the knockout rounds, depending on results elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Anderlecht may have secured their place in the top 24, with a seven-point lead over 25th-placed Braga, but there is still plenty to play for in their final two matches.

David Hubert's men have four wins and two draws from their six league games, which leaves them third in the standings on 14 points, with a top-eight finish still up for grabs.

Anderlecht are just three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur and FCSB in ninth and 10th respectively, meaning victories in their final two games could be crucial to securing a top-eight finish.

The visitors will be buoyed by the fact that they are one of only five teams yet to be beaten in the Europa League, while their away form of two wins and a draw puts them fifth in the table for away results.

Recent Performance

Viktoria Plzen Europa League form:DDDWWL

Viktoria Plzen form (all competitions):WWDWLW

Anderlecht Europa League form:WWWDDW

Anderlecht form (all competitions):WWLLLW

Team News

The hosts will be without Christophe Kabongo (knee), Matej Valenta (knee) and Rafiu Durosinmi due to ongoing injury problems, with all three expected to return next month.

Despite losing 2-1 to Manchester United in their last Europa League outing, Koubek could name a similar starting line-up, with top scorer Matej Vydra continuing in attack.

Anderlecht will be without Francis Amuzu (concussion), Jan Vertonghen (ankle), Kasper Dolberg (knee), Majeed Ashimeru (muscle), Mario Stroeykens (ankle) and Samuel Edozie (muscle) due to injury.

Anderlecht, who beat KV Kortrijk 2-0 in their last outing, could name a similar starting line-up for this game, although top scorer Cesar Huerta could start.

Possible starting lineup

Viktoria Plzen possible starting lineup:

Jedlicka; Dweh, Markovic, Jemelka; Cadu, Cerv, Kalvach, Souare; Vydra, Sulc; Vasulin

Anderlecht possible starting lineup:

Coosemans; Adryelson, Dendoncker, N'Diaye; Sardella, Rits, Maamar; Verschaeren; Hazard, Vazquez, Huerta