The fourth round match of the 2024/25 Europa League group stage between Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) and Real Sociedad (Spain) will take place on November 7 at the Doosan Arena. Viktoria Plzen vs Real Sociedad: match prediction and betting odds, statistics. Referee: Andris Treimanis (Latvia) Matches – 9 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25); Yellow/red cards shown – 49; Average yellow/red cards per match – 5.4; Red cards shown – 3; Average fouls per match – 28; Penalties – 33%. Probable line-ups for the match Viktoria Plzen vs Real Sociedad Viktoria Plzen (4-4-2): Martin Edlichka – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh, Milan Havel – Alexander Cermak, Pavel Bucha, Lukas Kalvach, Kadu Cruz – Matej Vydra, Prince Kwabena Adu. Real Sociedad (4-4-2): Unai Marrero – Jon Ander Olasagasti, Xabi Alonso, Jon Pacheco, Naif Aguerd – Benat Turrientes, Brais Mendez, Martin Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo – Mikel Oyarzabal, Umar Sadiq. For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated. Viktoria Plzen The Czech team has drawn all three matches of the current Europa League group stage. Manchester United has also shown the same level of compromise, drawing at home with Ludogorets (0:0), as well as sharing points away with Eintracht (3:3) and PAOK (2:2). Along with the Mancunians, Viktoria is in 20th place in the tournament table. It should be noted that the Czechs have not lost in this European competition over seven matches (4 wins and 3 draws). Defender Sampson Dweh will miss the meeting due to disqualification. Also, head coach Miroslav Koubek will not be on the bench after receiving a red card in the third round. Maximum of three goals were scored in regular time in 17 out of 19 previous Viktoria's Europa League games. The club did not concede at the end of 90 minutes in the last five home matches in this tournament. Also, the Czechs did not concede a single goal in the second 45-minute period in 10 previous home meetings in the Europa League. Real Sociedad The Spaniards won their first victory in the group stage of the Europa League last round. Playing on neutral ground, the club defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv with a score of 2:1. Before that, the San Sebastian team drew away with Nice (1:1) and lost at home to Anderlecht (1:2). Real Sociedad is in 16th place, having scored 4 points. In the last six matches in this European competition, the team has only one victory (2 draws and 3 losses). Real Sociedad did not score more than 1 goal in 5 out of the last 6 Europa League games. A maximum of three goals were scored in the last 11 matches of the San Sebastian team in this tournament. Exactly two or three goals were scored in 8 out of the last 10 club's matches in this European competition. Viktoria Plzen vs Real Sociedad: match prediction Bookmakers favor the visitors in this encounter, most likely due to the higher rating of Spain's La Liga over the Czech championship. However, I believe that the hosts will at least not lose. Viktoria has not lost in regular time at home in the Europa League for 13 meetings, with as many as 12 wins (and one draw). The team is also in second place in their championship, having lost only twice after 13 rounds. The Spanish club has not been impressive this season. The team had a poor start to the main stage of the European competition, only defeating the modest Maccabi, which has been playing exclusively away for the last year. Things are also going poorly in La Liga, where the San Sebastian team is only in the middle of the tournament table. With a safety net, I suggest betting on the handicap for the hosts. The Spaniards rarely win away with a margin of two or more goals. In the previous 15 away matches, the Basques have only two victories with a margin greater than one goal. My prediction is "Viktoria Plzen with a handicap (+1)" for the odds of 1.54. Author: Oleksandr Oleksenko
The clash between Viktoria Plzeň and Real Sociedad will be pivotal for both clubs as they vie for progression from the Europa League group stage. The Czech side will aim to break their string of draws in European competitions and, with the backing of the home crowd, secure crucial points. Meanwhile, the Spanish team, having improved their overall play, hold strong chances to solidify their playoff standings and will attempt to breach the hosts' solid defence.
Viktoria Plzeň
Viktoria Plzeň have effectively structured their play around a solid defence, showcasing excellent results on home turf: seven wins and two draws in their last nine home matches, conceding just two goals. In attack, the Czechs rely on the partnership of Pavel Šulc and Prince Ofori, with Šulc scoring six times across all competitions, demonstrating exceptional dribbling and striking positions, while Ofori employs offside edge tactics to pressure opponent defences, resulting in five goals. It's noteworthy, however, that Viktoria Plzeň's home games rarely see a high goal tally: only two goals or fewer have been scored in seven of their last nine encounters.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad have significantly enhanced their team play, with improved metrics in positional attacks and reduced turnovers. They have intensified their pressing game, complicating their opponents' attack transitions. Martín Zubimendi, taking on a more creative role, has added depth to the team's offensive play, yet the Basques' scoring on the road remains modest, with only one of their last eight away games seeing more than two goals scored.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Given Viktoria Plzeň's stellar home defensive record and both teams' trend towards low scoring, a cautious match can be expected. An optimal bet might be a total under 2.5. Additionally, noting the Czechs' unbeaten home run, they could extend it even against such a formidable Spanish opponent. Hence, considering a double chance on Viktoria Plzeň is also worth contemplating.
