Viktoria Plzen vs Royal Union prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 17, 2026
On September 17, 2026, Viktoria Plzen and Royal Union will meet in the first round of the Europa League league phase. Both sides will be eager to claim victory.
Viktoria Plzen vs Royal Union: team news and expert analysis
The Plzen club finished third in the domestic championship last season. However, there have been few wins at the start of the current campaign, although the team has been building momentum after a difficult opening. Still, following a 0-0 draw with Hradec Kralove, they went on to lose to Sigma. The Brussels side failed to retain the league title, surrendering top spot to Brugge. They did win the cup, though, and in the summer took revenge on their main rivals by beating them on penalties in the Super Cup. In the new Pro League, they have dropped points only against Zulte Waregem, with that game ending in a draw. Lommel, meanwhile, were thrashed 5-0.
In Europe, it seemed the Czechs were destined to exit in qualifying after losing 3-0 to Crvena Zvezda. But at home they produced an incredible comeback, winning 5-1 on aggregate (although one of the goals came in extra time).
The Belgians were involved in an entertaining Champions League qualifying tie against Bodo/Glimt. Both legs ended in high-scoring draws — 3-3 at home and 2-2 in Norway. However, the Scandinavians scored a decisive goal in added time.
Previous meetings: Viktoria Plzen vs Royal Union
This will be the teams' first-ever meeting.
This looks like an evenly matched contest. Our pick is for the visitors, who are in excellent form, to win, with the safety net of a draw no bet (odds — 1.91).
Viktoria Plzen vs Royal Union: key statistics and trends
- Viktoria Plzen have won two of their eight matches
- Viktoria Plzen score an average of two goals and concede 1.88 goals per match
- Both teams have scored in 75% of Viktoria Plzen's matches, with an average total of 3.88 goals per game
- Royal Union's two Champions League qualifying matches both ended in high-scoring draws
- Union score an average of 3.17 goals and concede 0.5 goals per match
- Both teams have scored in 33% of Union's matches, with an average total of 3.67 goals per game.
Viktoria Plzen vs Royal Union: possible starting lineups
Viktoria Plzen play in a 1-3-5-1-1 formation (possible lineup): Vesele — Spacil, Dweh, Prebsl — Doski, Cerv, Hrosovsky, Souare, Memic — Vydinski — Kwabena Adu
Royal Union play in a 1-3-4-1-2 formation (possible lineup): Koffi — Krychfalushi, Syllа, Mac Allister — Guilherme Smith, Zorgane, Van de Perre, Patrice — Zeneli — Biondic, Florucz
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Europa League standings
