Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League qualifying match.
In the spring of 2024, Viktoria Plzeň scraped past Servette in the Champions League play-offs with a narrow 1:0 aggregate win. Since then, the gulf between the two squads has only grown. Viktoria Plzeň have already opened their domestic season with an emphatic win.
Viktoria Plzeň
Their recent 5:1 victory over FK Pardubice reflected the benefits of a strong pre-season. Since 21 June, Viktoria Plzeň have played seven friendly matches, winning six and conceding just four goals in total. Last Friday, the team asserted control from the outset, going 3:0 up by the 55th minute through clinical finishing and ending the match with an xG of 1.22.
Servette
Servette’s pre-season was more limited in scope. Over the past week, they claimed 3:2 wins over both Neuchâtel Xamax and AS Saint-Étienne, despite only recently returning from their break. Four new signings have joined the squad on free transfers, with three expected to be available on Tuesday.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Servette Prediction
Viktoria Plzeň enjoy a clear edge in both squad depth and market valuation (€59.2 million vs €22.1 million). Playing at home, they are expected to assert their dominance on the scoreboard.
