Astra vs Viktoria Plzen Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Astra seem to be getting back to form in domestic competition after a very poor start to their Romanian Liga I season. Their 2-2 draw at Dinamo Bucharest on Saturday made it five without defeat in all competitions, with one of their two wins during this period being a 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen.

This kept them in the hunt for one of the two qualification spots from their Europa League group. They currently sit 3rd in their group behind Austria Vienna and AS Roma, so there is a lot of work to be done. It would be a shock if they managed to get a top two position, but it’s certainly not out of the question at the moment.

Romania striker Denis Alibec has been Astra’s main threat in front of goal in Europe this season. He has netted three Europa League goals but only managed one in the league so far. Cristian Sapunaru and Daniel Niculae also have four in all competitions, but neither have scored more than Alibec in Europe. He comes in at an impressive 13/5 to score anytime as well, so I’d say that’s worth a shot, especially since he scored in the away game against Viktoria Plzen.

Viktoria Plzen’s Czech Liga season is going the way it always does, with them leading Mlada Boleslav by three points at the top of the table. It’s definitely not plain sailing for them though, and their Europa League showing has been far from impressive.

They have only won two of their last five in all competitions and have lost twice during this period. In the Europa League they have drawn against Roma and Austria Vienna and lost to Astra, leaving them bottom of the group at the halfway point. They are only three points out of touch with the top two, but indications from the first round of matches suggest that they are very unlikely to be in the mix.

History in the Europa League isn’t on their side either. They have lost four, drawn two, and won just one of their last seven away days in the Europa League, whilst Astra have won three of their last six at home in the competition. This includes victories over Dinamo Zagreb, West Ham, and AZ Alkmaar. They have only lost three of their 14 historic home games in the Europa League as well.

The bookies are heavily favouring Viktoria Plzen for this one, but I think that’s a mistake. Astra will be high on confidence after their win in Czech Republic in October and Viktoria Plzen lost 4-2 in the Czech Cup in their last away match. Backing an Astra Win or Draw Double Chance at 4/5 looks a very good option, and I’m backing that along with a 2-1 win for the hosts at 11/1.