Viktoria Plzen vs Fenerbahce: Match Preview, Predictions & Team Lineups
As the Europa League campaign heats up, Viktoria Plzen will host Fenerbahce on Thursday for a crucial matchday four clash in the 2025-26 season. Both teams head into this encounter on a positive note, having won their last two matches in the competition.
Match Overview
The Czech side, Viktoria Plzen, started their Europa League journey with mixed results, including a draw against Ferencvaros and a domestic league loss to Zlin. Since then, they have regained their form, remaining unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions (W6, D1). This streak includes notable victories, such as a 3-0 win against Malmo and a 2-1 triumph over Roma.
Currently positioned fifth in their league standings, Plzen is aiming for a second consecutive season in the knockout rounds. A victory against Fenerbahce would mark their first three straight Europa League wins since 2017. Their home record is robust, losing only two of their last 14 Europa League matches at home (W11, D1). However, they have yet to defeat a Turkish team in UEFA history, recording two draws and two losses against them.
Fenerbahce’s Form
Fenerbahce, the Turkish giants, have shown strong performances against Czech teams, remaining unbeaten in their last three encounters (W2, D1). They recently secured a 2-1 away victory over Slavia Prague last season. Domenico Tedesco’s squad has also been consistent, staying unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions (W6, D1). Although they started the Europa League with a 3-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, they bounced back with wins against Nice (2-1) and Stuttgart (1-0), placing them 14th in the group standings.
Despite their overall good form, Fenerbahce faces challenges on the road in Europe, having recorded just one win in their last four away matches (D2, L1).
Team News
Viktoria Plzen will miss several key players, including Jiri Panos (illness), Jan Kopic (knee), and Matej Vydra (ankle). Karel Spacil is a doubt due to an injury sustained against Teplice, and Lukas Hejda is ineligible for the Europa League squad. In attack, Prince Kwabena Adu, who has scored in his last three matches, is expected to lead alongside Rafiu Durosinmi.
Fenerbahce’s squad also has notable absentees, including Irfan Can Kahveci, who is injured, and Cenk Tosun, suspended due to disciplinary issues. Mert Hakan Yandas is still short of match fitness. Jhon Duran may get the nod to start after scoring the winning goal in a recent league victory over Besiktas.
Possible Lineups
- Viktoria Plzen: Jedlicka; Paluska, Jemelka, Dweh, Spacil; Souare, Cerv, Memic; Ladra; Durosinmi, Adu
- Fenerbahce: Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Mercan; Alvarez, Yuksek; Nene, Asensio, Akturkoglu; En-Nesyri
Match Prediction
This encounter is expected to be closely fought, with both teams carrying confidence from recent performances. While Plzen boasts a solid home record, Fenerbahce’s recent form may help them secure a favorable result. The prediction for this match is a 1-1 draw, reflecting the competitive nature of both sides entering this crucial fixture.
