Viktoria Plzen v Hearts: Is the game on TV? Kick-off time, head-to-head stats and team news

Hearts have endured a slow start to the season but will hope to gain some respite when they head to the Czech Republic to face Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League play-off round.

Their game takes place over the next two Thursdays, with the winner over both legs qualifying for the league phase, while the loser will drop into the Conference League.

Is Viktoria Plzen v Hearts on TV?

Viktoria Plzen against Heart of Midlothian is currently not being broadcast on live TV, although that is subject to change.

Viktoria Plzen v Hearts kick-off time, date and venue

The game is set to kick off at 18:00 BST on Thursday 22nd August and will be played at Stadion mesta Plzne.

Viktoria Plzen v Hearts stats and head-to-head record (H2H)

Both Viktoria Plzen and Heart of Midlothian finished third in their domestic divisions last season and Thursday's match will be the first competitive meeting between the sides.

The pair come into the game in contrasting form, with Plzen second in the Czech Liga after collecting 13 points from their opening five games.

They also won both of their third qualifying round ties against Ukrainian side Kryvbas KR, winning 2-1 when they met at a neutral venue in the Slovakian city of Kosice before Daniel Vasulin, who grabbed the winner in the first game, netted the only goal at home.

In contrast, Hearts are yet to win this season, opening their Scottish Premiership campaign with a 0-0 draw against Rangers and a 3-1 defeat at Dundee before losing 2-0 at Championship Falkirk in the League Cup on Saturday.

Last year, the Edinburgh outfit fell to PAOK at this stage of the Conference League, while Plzen made it to the quarter-finals of the same competition.

Read the latest tips, predictions and odds for Viktoria Plzen v Heart of Midlothian.

Viktoria Plzen v Hearts team news

Viktoria Plzen team news

Vasulin is expected to play alongside another in-form forward, Pavel Sulc, with summer signing Ricardinho and former Premier League striker Matej Vydra set for bench roles.

Both Jan Sykora and Christophe Kabongo are absent due to knee injuries. 

Hearts team news

Hearts made eight changes for their defeat to Falkirk and are expected to make wholesale alterations, with striker Lawrence Shankland among those set to be recalled by Steven Naismith.

Frankie Kent could be available following a toe injury, but new signing Andres Salazar is unlikely to feature, while Calem Nieuwenhof is sidelined with a tendon issue and Beni Baningame also misses out.