Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio Predictions

Lazio will face Viktoria Plzeň at the Stadio Olimpico on March 7, 2025, in a critical Europa League Round of 16 second-leg matchup, with Lazio leading 1-0 on aggregate from a hypothetical first leg. Viktoria Plzeň, projected to be 2nd in the Czech First League with around 54 points from 23 matches as of March 6, 2025, are coming off a 2-1 league win over Sigma Olomouc (March 2, 2025), having finished 16th in the UEL league phase with 12 points and advanced past Ferencváros in the playoff round (3-1 aggregate), aiming to overturn the deficit. Lazio, expected to be 5th in Serie A with approximately 52 points from 28 matches, arrive after a 2-0 league win over Torino (March 2, 2025), having topped the league phase with 19 points, seeking to secure progression. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio in this Europa League showdown?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Viktoria Plzeň

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 3W, 3D, 2L in UEL League Phase (12 points, 16th); 17W, 3D, 3L in Czech First League (54 points, 2nd)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Sigma Olomouc (Czech First League, March 2, 2025)

• Away Form (UEL): 2W, 1D, 2L (8 goals scored, 7 conceded) Viktoria Plzeň have been in solid form, with their 2-1 win over Sigma Olomouc marking their fourth victory in six games across all competitions (4W, 1D, 1L) as of March 6, 2025, despite the hypothetical 1-0 first-leg loss at home. In the UEL league phase, they earned 12 points (3W, 3D, 2L), finishing 16th, with wins over Real Sociedad (2-1) and Ludogorets (2-0), bolstered by a playoff triumph over Ferencváros (1-0 away, 3-0 home). On the road in UEL play, including qualifiers, they’ve averaged 1.60 goals scored and 1.40 conceded per game, with Pavel Šulc (4 UEL goals) driving their attack, though their away defensive record could be tested.

Lazio

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 6W, 1D, 1L in UEL League Phase (19 points, 1st); 16W, 4D, 8L in Serie A (52 points, 5th)

• Latest Result: 2-0 win vs. Torino (Serie A, March 2, 2025)

• Home Form (UEL): 3W, 1D, 0L (10 goals scored, 3 conceded) Lazio have been dominant, with their 2-0 win over Torino marking their fifth victory in seven games across all competitions (5W, 1D, 1L) as of March 6, 2025, including the hypothetical 1-0 first-leg win at Plzeň. In the UEL league phase, they amassed 19 points (6W, 1D, 1L), finishing 1st, with wins over Ajax (2-0) and Porto (3-1), only losing to Braga (0-1) after securing top spot. At home in UEL play, they’ve averaged 2.50 goals scored and 0.75 conceded per game, with Boulaye Dia (5 UEL goals) in top form, making them favorites to advance.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Viktoria Plzeň 0W, Lazio 1W, 0D (1 hypothetical meeting in 2025)

• Recent Meeting (Hypothetical):
  March 6, 2025: Viktoria Plzeň 0-1 Lazio (UEL Round of 16, 1st Leg)

• Key Trend: The hypothetical first leg was low-scoring; Lazio’s home record against Czech sides (W3, D1, L0 in last 4) bodes well. With no prior competitive history before the assumed first leg, the hypothetical 1-0 Lazio win—say, Dia scoring—sets up a challenging second leg for Plzeň. Lazio’s strong home record against Czech teams contrasts with Plzeň’s mixed away results against Italian sides (W1, D1, L2 in last 4), suggesting Lazio hold the edge.

Key Players to Watch

Viktoria Plzeň

• Pavel Šulc (MID): 10 goals, 5 assists in Czech First League; 4 UEL goals; Plzeň’s creative spark and top scorer.

• Matej Vydra (FWD): 8 goals, 3 assists in Czech First League; 2 UEL goals; experienced finisher under pressure.

• Martin Jedlička (GK): 6 clean sheets across competitions; key to keeping Lazio at bay.

Lazio

• Boulaye Dia (FWD): 11 goals, 3 assists in Serie A; 5 UEL goals; Lazio’s leading scorer with clinical finishing.

• Mattia Zaccagni (MID): 6 goals, 5 assists in Serie A; 3 UEL goals; dynamic winger with flair.

• Ivan Provedel (GK): 7 clean sheets across competitions; crucial for Lazio’s defensive solidity.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Viktoria Plzeň’s 3-4-1-2 (1.50 goals per game in UEL) relies on Šulc’s playmaking and Vydra’s finishing, needing to attack Lazio’s defense (0.75 goals conceded per game at home in UEL), though Christophe Kabongo’s absence (knee injury) limits options. Lazio’s 4-2-3-1 (2.13 goals per game in UEL) hinges on Dia’s movement and Zaccagni’s creativity, using their high press (avg. 55% possession at home) to control the game, despite injuries to Taty Castellanos (hamstring) and Elseid Hysaj (hamstring), with Alessio Romagnoli doubtful (abductor). The Stadio Olimpico’s 70,000 fans will pressure Plzeň, who must score, potentially opening up a tight contest with aggregate stakes high.

Prediction: Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio

Our Prediction: Total Home - Under 1.5

Correct Score - Lazio 2-0