Plzen vs FC Astana prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-12-13 20:00.
A place in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) knockout round play-offs is up for grabs for three Group C teams separated by two points, but Viktoria PlzeĆ can relax ahead of matchday six as theyâve already booked their place directly in the last 16. The hosts and group winners are unlikely to dish out any favours as they have a chance to win all six group games for the first time in a UEFA competition!
That would be some achievement too, after the Czech outfit lost all six of their group matches in last season's Champions League. PlzeĆ are much more at home in this competition though, winning each of their last ten UECL matches, although as four of the last five have come via a 1-0 scoreline, expect things to remain tight here.
The only exception in that sequence was a 2-1 victory over upcoming visitors Astana, who must win on matchday six if theyâre to have any chance of extending their European campaign, although theyâll also need Dinamo Zagreb to lose to Ballkani. That would mark just their second-ever progression from a UEFA group stage, but replicating that feat will require them to seriously improve their form, as theyâre winless in three matches in all competitions (D2, L1).
The challenge is also to lift their game in Europe as Astana have won just two of their last 12 matches in this competition (D3, L7). One of those wins did come in this campaign and away from home (2-1 v Ballkani), while a two-game unbeaten record on Czech soil (W1, D1) could inspire hope they can keep their European quest alive.
Players to watch: Pavel Ć ulc scored the winner for PlzeĆ in their last UECL game and has netted five goals across his last four matches. Astanaâs threat could come from Kamo Hovhannisyan, who has scored their match opening goal with his last two UECL strikes, both coming on the road.
Hot stat: Including qualifiers, eight of PlzeĆâs last 11 UECL matches stood goalless at the break.