AS Roma welcomes Viktoria Plzen to the iconic Stadio Olimpico in this Roma vs Viktoria Plzen preview for a pivotal UEFA Europa League league phase match. The Giallorossi are in desperate need of a positive result in front of their home fans after suffering back-to-back 1-0 defeats at the Olimpico, including a frustrating Matchday 2 loss to Lille.
The Czech visitors, meanwhile, arrive in Rome full of confidence. They are unbeaten in their first two Europa League matches and sit 8th in the league phase standings with four points. This match preview examines a classic European clash where a struggling giant meets an in-form underdog, making it a fascinating encounter for punters.
Roma Vs Viktoria Plzen Match Preview/Betting Preview
This is a high-pressure game for Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini. After winning their UEL opener 2-1 away at Nice, his side’s profligacy in front of goal has become a major issue. They followed that win with consecutive 1-0 home losses to Lille (UEL) and Inter Milan (Serie A). Despite creating chances, Roma’s expensive strike force has misfired, and the pressure is mounting. The Italians cannot afford to drop more points at home if they harbor serious ambitions in this competition.
Viktoria Plzen, on the other hand, is in a strong position. They began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Ferencvaros and followed it with an emphatic 3-0 home victory over Malmo FF. Under new manager Martin Hyský, the Czech side has found a good run of form, including a 1-0 domestic win at the weekend. They travel to Italy with a one-point lead over their illustrious hosts and a clear game plan: frustrate Roma and hit them on the counter.
Team Recent Form
Roma: L-W-L-W-W
Viktoria Plzen: W-D-W-L-D
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Key Stats
- Home Fortress Breached: Roma has lost their last two matches at the Stadio Olimpico 1-0 and has not lost back-to-back European home games since 2014.
- Plzen’s Poor Travel Record: Viktoria Plzen has won just two of their last 20 away matches in the Europa League, losing more than half of them.
- One-Sided History in Rome: Roma has a perfect 2-0-0 record against Viktoria Plzen at the Stadio Olimpico, winning those two games by a combined score of 9-1.
Correct Score Prediction
My prediction is a 1-0 victory for Roma.
This will be a tense, nervy affair, not a high-scoring one. Roma is desperate, and their defence, for the most part, has been solid under Gasperini. The problem is scoring. Viktoria Plzen arrives in good form but has a historically awful away record in this competition. I expect Roma to dominate possession and create more chances, but their lack of cutting edge will keep the game tight. A single moment of quality, likely from a set-piece or an individual like Paulo Dybala, will be the difference. Roma will grind out a much-needed, unconvincing 1-0 win. You can back this tight scoreline on BC.GAME.
Roma Vs Viktoria Plzen H2H
- These two clubs have met four times in UEFA competitions.19
- Roma holds the advantage with two wins, one draw, and one loss.
- At the Stadio Olimpico, Roma is dominant: they have won both previous meetings (4-1 in 2016 UEL, 5-0 in 2018 UCL).
- The last meeting between the pair ended in a 2-1 win for Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic in December 2018.
Pre-game Odds
- Roma to win: 1.39
- Draw: 5.08
- Viktoria Plzen to win: 8.65
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Team News Home
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has some selection headaches. Midfielder Edoardo Bove remains out with a heart condition.23 Spanish wing-back Angelino is a doubt due to bronchitis. However, there is good news as loan signing Leon Bailey is fully fit after a long injury layoff and could be in line for his first start after a lively cameo against Inter. Paulo Dybala has also overcome a recent thigh injury and may enter the game at some point.
Team News Away
Viktoria Plzen will be without key Iraqi defender Merchas Doski, who is suspended after being sent off against Malmo.24 The visitors are also expected to be missing Jan Kopic and Jiri Panos through injury. The main attacking threat will come from Rafiu Durosinmi, who has been in fine form and scored in his last two domestic outings.
Predicted Line-up
Roma Predicted Line-up (3-4-1-2):
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka; Rensch, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Tsimikas; Bailey, Baldanzi; Dovbyk
Viktoria Plzen Predicted Line-up (3-4-3):
Jedlicka; Jemelka, Dweh, Spacil; Valenta, Souare, Cerv, Havel; Memic, Vydra; Durosinmi
Roma Vs Viktoria Plzen Betting Tips
This match is all about Roma’s desperation versus Plzen’s resilience. Here are our top three expert tips for the game, all available on BC.GAME.
- Tip 1 – Result: Roma Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: No
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Disclaimer: Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ only. The odds mentioned in this article are subject to change and were correct at the time of writing.
