Viktoria Plzen vs Levski Sofia Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 22 October 2026
🔊 Two rounds into the Europa League, Viktoria have yet to pick up a point, and they need their first win on Thursday. But they've drawn a difficult opponent: the Bulgarian champions haven't lost away from home since late August. Can the Czechs stop Levski?
Head-to-Head
📊 Viktoria and Levski have never met before. But the Czechs have faced Bulgarian opposition previously, and the memory is a painful one. In 2021, in the final qualifying round of the Conference League, Viktoria beat CSKA Sofia by two goals at home, then conceded three times in Sofia and went out in extra time.
Viktoria: goals they gift to their opponents
Viktoria are making life difficult for themselves in the Europa League. Opponents have scored five goals against them across two matchdays, while Viktoria have managed just one in return. In Budapest, Radoslav Kováč's side lost to Ferencváros (1-2), and the manager pointed the finger at his own players: "We had a set piece, and 30 seconds later we concede." Denis Višinský could only pull one back. "We definitely deserved at least a point here," Kováč said, frustrated.
In the Czech league, Plzeň have won their last two matches, but the habit of leaving themselves exposed has not gone away. In the most recent round, Viktoria led by three goals in Jablonec and nearly threw it away: the hosts pulled two back, and Kováč's side contributed to the second themselves - an own goal from Babacar Faal. Deep into stoppage time, Saydou Alioum could have levelled, but goalkeeper Florian Vigelé saved his header. "We were asking for it," Kováč admitted.
Match Results: Viktoria Plzen
Levski: Bulgaria’s powerhouse searching for their European identity
Levski are back at the top of Bulgarian football. In the First League, the reigning champions lead outright with 28 points - one ahead of CSKA, with a game in hand. Before travelling to the Czech Republic, Julio Velázquez's side reached the Round of 16 of the Bulgarian Cup, though Spartak Pleven only gave way in the second half. The manager put this down to pressure: their opponents had nothing to lose, while his players did.
In the Europa League, the Bulgarian champions are having a harder time: after two matchdays, Levski have one point and a single goal scored. They lost at home to Salzburg by a single goal. In the second matchday, in Nijmegen, striker Reynaldo put Levski ahead, but goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov played a pass straight to an opponent, who finished into an empty net. What could have been a win ended as a 1-1 draw with NEC.
Match Results: Levski Sofia
Latest news
Viktoria Plzen
❓ No injuries or suspensions have been reported at Viktoria. Patrick Grošovský, who was substituted earlier than usual in Budapest, played the full match in Jablonec.
Levski Sofia
❓ Akram Bouras has returned to full training after a thigh injury and is expected to travel to Plzeň. Asena Mitkov, Mustafa Sangare and Radi Kirilov are not in the plans for the trip to the Czech Republic. Steven Stoyanchov missed the cup match through illness but is already back in training.
Predicted Lineups
📋 Predicted starting XI for Viktoria: Wiegele - Gabriel, Dweh, Prebsl, Doski - Hrosovsky, Cerv - Memic, Ladra, Visinsky - Kabongo.
📋 Predicted starting XI for Levski: Vutsov - Aldair, Kristian Dimitrov, Makoun, Maicon - Grujic, Moubarik - Kusso, Serginho, Everton Bala - Reinaldo.
Total Goals Prediction
Victoria have conceded in 7 of their last 8 home matches. Their only clean sheet came against Mladá Boleslav, while Union Saint-Gilloise scored three times against them in the Europa League. Levski, meanwhile, have scored in each of their last three away matches, including at Nijmegen. We expect the visitors to get on the scoresheet here. The bet is Levski Team Total - Over 0.5.
Corners Prediction
Victoria have taken more than four corners at home in 15 of their last 16 matches. Across 10 official games they have taken 52 corners in total, 37 of which came in their five home fixtures, with at least five in each of those. Levski, meanwhile, took just one corner in Nijmegen, while NEC took six. We're expecting at least four from the hosts. The bet is Victoria Team Corners - Over 3.5.
Yellow Cards Prediction
Levski have not received more than two yellow cards in any of their last 10 official matches. During that run, the Bulgarians have picked up eight bookings compared to 26 for their opponents. Even Salzburg collected five cards against Levski's one in Sofia. We expect the visitors to manage no more than two in Plzeň as well. The bet is Levski Team Total Yellow Cards - Under 2.5.
📌 Editorial Prediction
Levski have gone unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 away matches. Victoria score at home in almost every game - in 10 of their last 11. But that hasn't guaranteed them points. In September, for example, Sigma beat them in Plzeň in the Czech league (2:3). We expect Levski to respond to Victoria's goal and come away with at least a draw. The bet is Levski not to lose. Predicted score: 1:2.
Will this prediction come true?
No comments
Betting Tips: Viktoria Plzen - Levski Sofia
in 16 of last 17 away games.
in last 11 Viktoria Plzen home games.in last 6 Viktoria Plzen games (Europa League).in 6 of last 7 Levski Sofia away games.in 7 of last 8 Viktoria Plzen games.in last 5 Levski Sofia away games.in 11 of last 12 games (Europa League).Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
