Underdogs battle for their first win: prediction for Lillestrøm vs Viktoria Plzeň
On November 5, Norwegian side Lillestrøm will host Czech club Viktoria Plzeň in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase. Both teams have endured a disastrous start to the tournament: the hosts sit 31st with one point, while the visitors are 33rd after losing all three of their matches. For both sides, this game represents a chance to change their fortunes in the table.
Lillestrøm: a heavy defeat to Real Sociedad and a return to confidence
Hans Erik Ødegaard's side is experiencing serious difficulties on the European stage. In the opening round, the Norwegians lost to Torrense (1-2), before drawing 1-1 with Sparta Prague. Their third match ended in a 0-6 thrashing by Real Sociedad. With just one point from three games, Lillestrøm find themselves near the bottom of the table, although their domestic form offers reasons for optimism.
In their last two Eliteserien fixtures, the team beat Brann (3-2) and Start (1-0). However, the hosts will be without injured players Vebjørn Hoff and Kristoffer Tønnessen. The main attacking threat comes from Felix Va, who has registered 10 goals and five assists in 28 matches. Thomas Lehne Olsen, who has scored seven goals this season, is also expected to start.
Viktoria Plzeň: three European defeats and hope in Kabongo
The Czech club, managed by Radoslav Kováč, are yet to pick up a single point in the Europa League. Viktoria first lost to Union (0-3), then fell to Ferencváros (1-2) and Sofia's Levski (1-2). Such results are surprising given last season, when the team went unbeaten throughout the league phase and reached the knockout play-off round.
Before travelling to Norway, the visitors crushed Baník Ostrava 4-0, a result that should boost their confidence. However, injuries remain a problem: Jan Paluska and Václav Jemelka will miss the game. Up front, the main attacking responsibility will fall on Christophe Kabongo, who has scored seven goals in 16 matches. Amar Memić can also make a difference, having contributed four goals and six assists this season.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Lillestrøm have earned one point from three matches in the Europa League league phase
- Viktoria Plzeň have lost all three of their tournament matches, with an overall goal difference of 2:7
- Lillestrøm have won their last two Norwegian league matches
Who will end their losing run: prediction for Lillestrøm vs Viktoria Plzeň
Both teams head into the meeting with serious problems in European competition, but their domestic results have gradually improved. Lillestrøm will look to make the most of home advantage, while Viktoria will rely on the attacking partnership of Kabongo and Memić.
Given the defensive inconsistency of both sides, it is difficult to identify a clear favourite. The Norwegians are capable of creating dangerous chances, but the Czech team have enough attacking quality to find the net themselves. A high-scoring draw looks the most likely outcome.
