Two of just eight sides still searching for a first UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase win this season collide as Lillestrøm host Viktoria Plzeň.
Match News and Current Form
After scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in a historic 1-1 draw with Viktoria’s fellow Czech side Sparta Prague to secure their first-ever point in their debut campaign in a European group/league phase, Lillestrøm then received a harsh reality check. A brutal 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Real Sociedad swiftly halted their momentum, extending the Norwegian outfit's grim record to 14 matches without a win in 17 UEFA Cup/UEL main draw games (D3, L11). Hans Erik Ødegaard’s men have responded impressively to that disappointment though by securing three consecutive domestic victories, therefore approaching this assignment in better spirits.
Viktoria are in even more dire straits than their opponents, remaining completely empty-handed in this UEL league phase campaign after three defeats - one of just four teams yet to register a single point in this season’s competition. Following their latest UEL loss against Levski Sofia (2-1), Radoslav Kováč’s men suffered a shock domestic defeat before winning back-to-back games across all competitions, scoring ten goals in those victories. With both of those triumphs coming away from home, the club’s travelling supporters will believe that their side can secure a fourth successive win on the road, having found the net at least three times on each of the last three such occasions.
Head-to-Head History
Viktoria have crossed paths with Norwegian opposition only once before, triumphing 4-2 on aggregate after winning both legs against Rosenborg during UEFA Champions League qualifying in 2011/12, while Lillestrøm have won just once in their five meetings with Czech teams (D1, L3).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Lillestrøm conceded at least two goals in five of their last seven home matches.
Four of Lillestrøm’s last five games saw the opener arrive inside 30 minutes.
Each of Viktoria’s last ten matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Five of Viktoria’s last six games saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Gustav Nyheim has contributed to three goals across his last two matches (G1, A2) while also picking up a yellow card, with Lillestrøm emerging victorious from all seven of his scoring appearances for them. Fresh from providing three assists at the weekend, Amar Memić has now contributed to five Viktoria goals in his last four games (G2, A3), with seven of his last eight goals for the club arriving after half-time.
Neither side seem to have any fresh absentees.
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Betting Analysis
Given Lillestrøm's defensive frailties at home and Viktoria’s last ten games each featuring at least three goals, backing over 2.5 goals seems logical here.
Author: Tomáš Vlasák
