Viktoria Plzen vs Panathinaikos: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

In a crucial second leg playoff for the Europa League, Viktoria Plzen will face Panathinaikos at Doosan Arena in Czechia on Thursday night. The match is significant as it will determine who advances to the last 16 of the tournament. The teams previously drew 2-2 in the first leg in Greece, making this encounter a decisive battle.

Match Preview

Viktoria Plzen enters this match with an impressive unbeaten streak across all competitions, now at nine games, with five wins and four draws. Their latest match ended in a goalless draw against Sparta Prague, but they secured a late equalizer to draw against Panathinaikos in the first leg.

Despite being weakened by the winter transfer departure of key striker Rafiu Durosinmi, who scored 13 goals this season, Plzen remains a strong opponent at home. They have lost only once at Doosan Arena since November, showcasing their solid home form.

Recent Form

• Viktoria Plzen Europa League form: D D D D W D
• Viktoria Plzen overall form: W W W W D D
• Panathinaikos Europa League form: W W D D D D
• Panathinaikos overall form: L W L D D W

On the other hand, Panathinaikos is looking to recover from a recent three-game winless streak. However, they managed a victory on Sunday against OFI Crete, marking their 10th win of the Greek Super League season. Unfortunately, they sit 16 points behind league leaders AEK Athens, potentially facing their worst finish since 2021.

Coach Rafael Benitez aims to secure an away victory to progress further in the tournament. His side has had some success in Europe, holding an undefeated record in their last six Europa League matches.

Team News

Viktoria Plzen will miss Merchas Doski due to suspension. Jan Paulska remains sidelined with an injury. For Panathinaikos, they will be without Cyriel Dessers and Moussa Sissoko, both dealing with injuries. Facundo Pellistri has also been unavailable since late January.

Predicted Lineups

Viktoria Plzen Starting XI:

• Wiegele
• Dweh
• Spacil
• Chalupa
• Memic
• Cerv
• Hrosovsky
• Visinsky
• Souare
• Ladra
• Vydra

Panathinaikos Starting XI:

• Lafont
• Ingason
• Palmer-Brown
• Touba
• Calabria
• Bakasetas
• Sanches
• Kyriakopoulos
• Pantovic
• Taborda
• Tetteh

Conclusion

As Viktoria Plzen aims to extend their unbeaten run, confidence will be key against Panathinaikos in this vital matchup. Despite the experience of Benitez on the opposing bench, Plzen is poised to clinch a win and advance to the next stage of the Europa League.