Viktoria Plzeň
Levski Sofia
>Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia Prediction & Betting Tips – 22/10/2026
Viktoria Plzeň welcome Levski Sofia to the Doosan Aréna on Thursday 22 October for a Europa League league stage fixture that carries real desperation for both sides. The hosts sit rock bottom on zero points after two defeats, while Levski have managed just a single point from their opening pair of matches. A first-ever competitive meeting between these clubs doubles as a genuine six-pointer; defeat for either side would leave their continental campaign in tatters before the autumn is out.
Match Analysis
Viktoria Plzeň enter this Europa League home fixture as clear favourites at 1.80, desperate for their first points of the campaign. Manager Radoslav Kovač faces explicit pressure, and a charged Doosan Aréna crowd should sharpen the hosts' focus.
- 59 shots in their last five matches signals dominant territorial control and attacking volume.
- Midfield duo Hrosovsky and Pirgic provide superior individual quality over Levski's depleted roster.
- Home advantage at Doosan Aréna in a must-win European moment historically boosts underperforming sides.
- Levski missing at least three confirmed starters, including Kirilov and Kamdem, severely limits their threat.
Levski Sofia arrive at 4.20 carrying a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, yet their European profile is fragile. Only one UEL point, a single goal scored in Europe, and a heavily depleted squad make a positive result extremely difficult.
- Only 8 shots across five matches in all competitions reveals a chronically passive attacking approach.
- Three confirmed absences including suspended Kirilov hollow out an already thin squad depth.
- Levski have scored just 1 goal in two Europa League games, struggling badly to create clear chances.
Key point: With both sides defensively fragile yet offensively limited, the under 2.5 goals market at 2.15 offers a compelling alternative angle to the outright result.
Form & Statistics: Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia
Viktoria Plzeň
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Levski Sofia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia
Viktoria Plzeň
Starters
- 1 Dominik Tapaj
- 2 Adam Gabriel
- 3 Sampson Dweh
- 4 Filip Prebsl
- 5 Merchas Doski
- 6 Stefan Pirgic
- 7 Patrik Hrosovsky
- 8 Alexandr Sojka
- 9 Christophe Kabongo
- 10 Amar Memic
- 11 Jirí Panos
Bench
- Viktor Baier
- Lukás Cerv
- Vavro
- Baboucarr Faal
- Denis Visinsky
- Mohamed Toure
- Florian Wiegele
- Tobiás Paliscák
- Salim Lawal
- Tomás Ladra
- Cheick Souaré
- Vydra
Absent
- Jan Paluska (injury)
Levski Sofia
Starters
- 1 Svetoslav Vutsov
- 2 Aldair
- 3 Kristian Dimitrov
- 4 Christian Makoun
- 5 Maicon
- 6 Marko Grujic
- 7 Serginho
- 8 Mehdi El Moubarik
- 9 David Kusso
- 10 Reinaldo
- 11 Everton Bala
Bench
- Martin Lukov
- Armstrong Okoflex
- Álex Centelles
- Mazire Soula
- Ognyan Vladimirov
- Nikola Serafimov
- Gasper Trdin
- Hevertton Santos
- Juan Esteban Perea Sanchez
Absent
- Asen Mitkov (injury)
- Mustapha Sangaré (suspended)
- Radoslav Kirilov (suspended)
- Oliver Kamdem (suspended)
Medium confidence
Plzeň line up in a 4-2-3-1 against Levski's 4-3-3, setting up a compact midfield battle at the Doosan Arena. Patrik Hrošovský sits at the base of the home side's structure, tasked with controlling tempo and shielding the back four against a Sofia midfield trio that will look to press high.
For Levski, Marko Grujić brings considerable experience to that central three, and his ability to dictate rhythm could prove decisive if the visitors are to cause an upset on the road. Both lineups are drawn from a single source dated three days before kickoff, so a degree of caution around late changes is warranted.
Our Verdict
Viktoria Plzeň's home win at 1.80 represents the standout selection here. The hosts' shot volume dwarfs Levski Sofia's output across recent fixtures, pointing to a side that creates far more consistently. Both clubs sit pointless or near-pointless in the group, yet Plzeň's attacking intent at the Doosan Aréna should prove decisive against a Levski side that has struggled to generate chances. Under 2.5 goals at 2.15 also merits consideration given the visitors' blunt attack. Prediction: Viktoria Plzeň to win. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia?
A Viktoria Plzeň home win is the standout selection here. Plzeň generate vastly superior attacking volume, 59 shots across their last five matches against Levski's meagre 8, and Levski arrive with four key absentees hollowing out their squad. The desperate home atmosphere at Doosan Aréna should sharpen Plzeň's focus. Back the hosts at 1.80.
What time does Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia kick off?
Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia kicks off at 19:00 UTC on Thursday, 22nd October 2026. The fixture takes place at the Doosan Aréna in Plzeň, Czech Republic, a compact and atmospheric ground that should provide a demanding backdrop for Levski Sofia's travelling contingent.
Where can I watch Viktoria Plzeň vs Levski Sofia on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for Europa League fixtures vary depending on your territory. In most European markets, matches are carried by broadcasters holding official UEFA Europa League rights, such as TNT Sports in the United Kingdom or DAZN across several continental markets. We recommend checking your local listings to confirm coverage details for this particular fixture.
What is Viktoria Plzeň's recent record against Levski Sofia?
This is, remarkably, the first-ever competitive meeting between Viktoria Plzeň and Levski Sofia. The two clubs have not previously been drawn together in European competition, meaning there is no historical head-to-head record to consult. That absence of prior data adds a layer of genuine unpredictability to an already intriguing Europa League encounter.