Eintracht Frankfurt are set to take on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday, 26 September in what will be the hosts’ first match in the competition this year. 

Despite not playing in Europe yet courtesy of their strong performance in the Bundesliga last season, Frankfurt have started the season well, winning three of their first four league fixtures.

The visitors, meanwhile, have had to get through two rounds of qualifying to reach this stage so this match will perhaps feel more significant to them.

How the bookies view it: The hosts start as favourites

Viktoria Plzen are the underdogs for this fixture, but that is something they will be expecting most weeks in the Europa League given their relatively small stature. Betfred have priced a win for Eintracht Frankfurt at 1/3 while a victory for the Viktoria Plzen has been priced as short as 8/1. The draw, which would be a great result for the away team, has been priced at 4/1.

Recent head-to-head: A first-ever meeting

This is the first time in history that Eintracht Frankfurt and Viktoria Plzen have faced off. However, the home team should take encouragement from Viktoria Plzen’s record against other German teams. In five matches, they have drawn one and lost five. Their heaviest defeat came against Bayern Munich in 2013 when they lost 5-0.

Players to watch: Battle of the forwards

Viktoria Plzen’s best hope of getting anything from the match on Thursday could be to fight fire with fire. If they do elect to go with this method then they are going to need striker, Daniel Vusulin, to find his shooting boots.

The Czech striker has only scored once in the league so far but he should take some encouragement from his record in Europa League qualifying. Vusulin netted twice in four appearances during qualifying so this is a competition that he clearly feels comfortable in.

Frankfurt’s biggest danger man is unquestionably Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian has been in electric form over the early weeks of the season and has scored four goals in Frankfurts’ last three matches. He also netted for his country during the September international break.

Predicted line-ups

Eintracht Frankfurt have several injury problems ahead of this one with Mario Gotze a doubt and Kevin Trapp, Oscar Hojlund and Mehdi Loune all definitely out. Viktoria Plzen have their own issues with Rafiu Durosinmi, Christophe Kabongo and Jan Skyora all injured.

Eintracht Frankfurt: Santos – Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate – Shkiri, Knauff, Larsson, Chaibi – Ekitike, Marmoush

Viktoria Plzen: Tvrdon – Dweh, Markovic, Jamelka – Kopic, Cerv, Kalvach, Cadu – Jirka, Sulc, Adu

Anything else catch the eye?

Eintracht Frankfurt are a team that are very strong at home and they have already displayed that so far this season with two wins in two matches in front of their own fans. What makes both of those wins more impressive is that both were by a margin of two goals. Eintracht Frankfurt to win with a -1 handicap on Thursday has been priced at 19/20 by Betfred.

This UEFA Europa League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Viktoria Plzen will be played on Sep 26, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Eintracht Frankfurt vs Viktoria Plzen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews sectio