FC Astana vs Plzen prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-04 14:30.
As far as European preparations go, it couldnât have been much worse for Astana, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to FC Aktobe in the Kazakhstan Premier League at the weekend. That result saw them lose ground on table-topping FC Ordabasy in search of retaining their crown, and they havenât been able to seek much relief in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) either, with a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb in their group opener leaving them on the back foot.
Another defeat would leave them with serious work to do in Group C, but with a positive record against Czech clubs behind them (W2, D2), they should feel confident of bouncing back against Viktoria PlzeĆ. Not only that, Astanaâs last European home group stage game produced a famous 2-1 victory against Manchester United, and with a five-match unbeaten home run in tow (W4, D1), replicating that result may not be a too far-fetched possibility.
PlzeĆ would like to think theyâll have something to say about that, but after a 2-1 domestic defeat to Sparta Prague at the weekend ended their incredible 12-match winning run, they travel on a bit of a downer. Boss Miroslav Koubek admitted Sparta won âdeservedlyâ, but heâll also feel this a much more winnable game given PlzeĆâs 100% winning record against Kazakh opponents (W2).
That includes a 2-1 victory against Tobol on Kazakh turf in UECL qualifying this season, a result which forms part of an impressive six-match winning run in UEFAâs third-tier competition. As if that run wasnât eye-catching enough, they conceded just two goals throughout, though the fact both of those came on the road suggests they are susceptible defensively when travelling in this competition.
Players to watch: Marin Tomasov netted a hat-trick in Astanaâs last home outing, and heâs bagged the gameâs last goal on his last five scoring appearances. Rafiu Durosinmi has netted PlzeĆâs last three goals and interestingly scored three of his last four strikes with his head.
Hot stat: Astana have led at half-time in three of their four UECL home games (inc qualifiers).