Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih will face Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie.
This article delves into the prediction, team form, news, and more.
Match Preview
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, competing in the Europa League for the first time in their history, have made an impressive rise through the Ukrainian leagues since their re-establishment in 2017.
Their rapid ascent saw them secure a third-place finish in the Ukrainian Premier League last season.
Viktoria Plzen, on the other hand, are seasoned European competitors, having regularly featured in both the Europa League and the Champions League in recent years.
Team Form
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih have shown strong form domestically. They kicked off their competitive season with a solid 1-0 victory last weekend.
Managed by Yuriy Vernydub, the team has been dominant in their performances, showcasing a strong defensive and midfield lineup.
Recent Form (All Competitions): W
Viktoria Plzen
Viktoria Plzen have started their 2024-25 season positively, remaining unbeaten in their first three league matches with two wins and a draw.
Despite their recent domestic success, Plzen have struggled to replicate this in Europe, having been knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League last term.
Recent Form (All Competitions): WWD
Team News
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
Yuriy Vernydub is likely to field a similar side to the one that secured a win last weekend.
Yehor Tverdokhlib, who scored the decisive goal in that match, is expected to partner with Maksym Luniov and Yurii Vakulko in midfield. The team is expected to line up as follows:
Predicted Starting XI: Klishchuk; Fonseca, Romanchuk, Stetskov, Dibango; Kuzyk, Luniov, Vakulko, Tverdokhlib, Khomchenovsky; Adu
Viktoria Plzen
Plzen might face challenges due to injuries, with several key players potentially missing out.
Despite this, Pavel Sulc, who netted 18 league goals last season and has already scored twice this campaign, is expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Starting XI: Tvrdon; Dweh, Hranac, Jemelka; Kopic, Cerv, Kalvach, Sulc, Havel; Vydra, Vasulin
Prediction
Given their extensive experience in European competitions, Viktoria Plzen are favorites to win this match.
Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, despite their recent rise, may find the experience and quality of Plzen too challenging in their European debut.
Our Prediction: Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih 1-4 Viktoria Plzen
Kryvbas 
Plzeň 
