FC Viktoria Plzen vs. Sheriff Tiraspol: Preview and betting tips

Viktoria Plzeň continues to dream of the Champions League. In the first match of the third preliminary round, they made a big step by beating Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1. However, the home return leg is very unpredictable, what is worth betting on?

Advancing to the European Cups was crucial for Viktoria from a financial point of view. It has already secured the Conference League’s main group, but it has even further to go. If it knocks out Sheriff, it is assured of at least the Europa League, and the top flight is not out of the question.

In the fourth round of the Champions League, Plzeň would face the winner of the Karabakh – Ferencváros double, which is a very acceptable draw. But first they have to knock out their Moldovan opponent.

And they took an important step towards that last week when they turned the score around after goals from Chorý on penalties and Bucha. In the rematch, however, they still have to be on their guard, Sheriff is definitely not going to give up.

The Tiraspol side beat Sf. Gheorghe, Kiki, Ambri and Akanbi, who also scored against Plzeň from a penalty kick. Croatian coach Stjepan Tomas made a few changes to save some strength for the rematch.

Michal Bílek did the same, saving Bucha, Kopic, Pernica and Sýkora for the weekend against Pardubice. And the bad interplay was evident, Plzeň’s game was slowing down and in the 55th minute Solil even equalised at 1::1. But in the 75th minute Milan Havel made the decisive goal and Viktoria scored an important victory.

In the first match, Sheriff sent Akanbi into the lead in the 36th minute from a penalty kick and Chorý equalised in the 41st minute. The game was tied at the end.

And the same scenario could be expected this time as well. Viktoria will want to keep the zero at the back and not make unnecessary mistakes. That’s why we can expect a cautious start from them and a bet on a solid defence. And that could result in a half-time draw.

Source: FC Viktoria Plzen, UEFA