Plzen vs Panathinaikos – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking to secure a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, Viktoria Plzen faces Panathinaikos at Doosan Arena in República Tcheca on Thursday night for the second leg of their playoff match.

The previous fixture last week resulted in a draw, which sets the stage for this crucial third encounter between the sides this season.

Match overview

Following a goalless stalemate at home against domestic rivals Sparta Prague on Sunday afternoon, Viktoria Plzen extended their unbeaten streak to an impressive nine matches across all competitions (W5 D4).

Nevertheless, that impressive run appeared to be at risk last Thursday night in Grécia, where a last-minute equalizer from substitute Tomas Ladra salvaged a 2-2 draw in the first leg against Panathinaikos.

Martin Hysky’s squad will likely feel content with that outcome before this week’s crucial second leg at Doosan Arena, where Viktoria last experienced a defeat on November 9 against Slavia Prague.

The Czech side did undergo a reduction in strength during the winter transfer window in preparation for the knockout phase of the Europa League, with striker Rafiu Durosinmi, who scored 13 goals, transferring to Serie A side Pisa.

Viktoria Plzen remains unbeaten in their last six matches at Doosan Arena, having only lost once at the venue since late September, when FC Zlin achieved a remarkable victory in the Czech top flight.

After experiencing a three-game winless streak (D2 L1) that ended their run in the Greek Cup, Panathinaikos found success again on Sunday, with goals from Andrews Tetteh and Davide Calabria securing a straightforward win against OFI Crete.

With their 10th league victory of the season secured over the weekend, the Greens are currently a significant 16 points behind leaders AEK Athens in the Greek Super League, projected to finish in their worst position since 2021.

At the moment, turning attention to continental responsibilities, Rafael Benitez’s team is enjoying a six-match unbeaten run (W2 D4) in the Europa League, although their latest win in the competition was against Sturm Graz on November 27.

For Thursday night, Panathinaikos must deliver a strong away performance to advance to the last 16 of the tournament, having won only one competitive match since December 17.

With 65-year-old Benitez at the helm, the Greek giants are backed by one of Europe’s most accomplished managers, with the Spaniard having won the Europa League with Valencia and Chelsea in 2003-04 and 2012-13 respectively.

Team News

Due to picking up a yellow card that triggers a suspension in the first leg, Merchas Doski will not be available for Viktoria Plzen on Thursday night.

The hosts are still missing Jan Paulska, who has been sidelined since the end of November due to injury.

Former Rangers striker in Escócia, Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos is currently unavailable as well.

Moussa Sissoko, who spent the first half of the season with Watford in the Championship, is also out for the Greens at present.

Former Manchester United youth player, Facundo Pellistri has not played since the end of January for the Greeks.

Viktoria Plzen probable starting XI:

Cradle; Dweh, Spacil, Chalupa; Memic, Cerv, Hrosoxy, Visinsky; Souare, Ladra, Vydra

Panathinaikos probable starting XI:

Lafont; Ingason, Palmer-Brown, Repentance; Calabria, Bacasetas, Sanches, Kyriakopoulos; Pantovic, Board, Tetteh

In an attempt to extend their unbeaten streak across all competitions to 10 matches, Viktoria Plzen should feel optimistic about securing a second-leg victory that would enable their advancement into the last 16 of the Europa League, despite the wealth of experience that Benitez brings to Panathinaikos during important matches.