Viktoria Plzen vs Manchester United: Match Preview, What to expect, key players

Manchester United face Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League at the Doosan Arena this evening.

United grabbed their second victory of the competition in the 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt.

Viktoria Plzen also picked up their second victory in the 2-1 triumph over Dynamo Kyiv and are on the same number of points as the Red Devils.

Also read: Predicted Man Utd line-up vs Viktoria Plzen, Malacia returns in five changes.

Match Preview

A win for either side in their first-ever meeting will take them to the top eight on the standings. A spot in the top eight guarantees an automatic qualification spot to the last-16.

United are not in the best shape heading into the game. They lost their last two games against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

By contrast, Plzen have recorded one win and a draw in their last two fixtures. They have one defeat in their last ten games in all competitions.

United have never won away from home against Czech opposition. However, Plzen are yet to record a victory against an English club.

What to expect

Plzen are not a possession-oriented side, and United are expected to dominate the fixture.

They have scored nine goals in the Europa League, one fewer than United. Five have come from open play, two through set-pieces and two from counter-attacks.

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 Plzen’s success this season. He has bagged two goals and one assist in five Europa League games.

Martin Jedlicka: The 26-year-old goalkeeper has been brilliant this term. He is the reason they have let in just seven goals despite conceding numerous shots per game.

Man United

Amad Diallo: United need the Ivorian’s decisiveness to break down the opposition. He must step up his productivity in this competition, having failed to register an assist to date.

Bruno Fernandes: The skipper has created 12 chances in this tournament. He is another player whose creativity will be needed to unlock Plzen’s defence.

Stats from whoscored.com, fotmob.com.

Article written by Henry Thornton .