FK Viktoria Plzen vs Hearts Predictions

• Hearts have lost five of their last six European away games
• Viktoria Plzen have won six of their last seven games this term
• Plzen have only conceded twice in those seven outings

Hosts can pick up a victory

Hearts fell at the final hurdle in Europe last season, losing out to PAOK in the Europa Conference League play-off.

However as a result of finishing third in the Scottish Premiership in 2023-24, the Jam Tarts are guaranteed at least a spot in the Conference League group stages as they take on Viktoria Plzen in this Europa League play-off.

The Czech side finished third domestically last term and reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League before losing to eventual runners-up Fiorentina.

They were victorious in all six group games in that competition and got the better of Ukrainian outfit Kryvbas Kryvyi 3-1 on aggregate in the last round of qualifying this season.

Hearts could keep themselves alive for second leg

Plzen have won six of their seven competitive games in the new campaign, in sharp contrast to Hearts.

The visitors have lost two and drawn one of their three outings, including a 2-0 defeat to Championship side Falkirk in the League Cup last time out.

Steven Naismith’s side will have had more than one eye on this game but their lack of goals is a concern, they have only netted once in those three games.

The hosts have only conceded two goals in seven matches this term and are fancied to win to nil.

The visitors may suffer a repeat of their 2-0 defeat from last time out.

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