Viktoria Plzen v Hearts: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Heart of Midlothian begin their UEFA Europa League campaign when they face Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen in the play-off round on Thursday.

Plzen made the quarter-finals of last season's Conference League and have already won in this competition, beating Ukrainian outfit Kryvbas KR 3-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying stage.

They have also taken 13 points from a possible 15 to sit second in the Czech Liga, a run starkly in contrast to Hearts, who drew 0-0 with Rangers before losing 3-1 at Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, before going down 2-0 at Championship Falkirk in the League Cup.

The Edinburgh outfit missed out in this round of last season's UEFA Conference League and even though Steven Naismith is expected to recall his best players after rotating at the weekend, a tough evening is anticipated at Stadion mesta Plzne.

Viktoria Plzen v Heart of Midlothian betting tips and predictions

Viktoria Plzen to win to nil - 6/4

Hearts may have kept hold of star striker Lawrence Shankland but have only scored once this season, with Frankie Kent's consolation at Dundee all they have managed.

It is a strange record considering they have had a combined 41 attempts at goal during their three domestic matches. 

However, only nine have been on target and that strike rate doesn't bode well against a side who are yet to concede in their three home games this term and have recorded five shutouts in seven matches.

That hints that Plzen will be happy to try and keep Naismith's side at bay and hold on to any potential advantage.

Daniel Vasulin anytime goalscorer - 13/8

Striker Daniel Vasulin scored in both legs against Kryvbas KR and looks set to start in attack alongside Pavel Sulc.

Plzen have good forward options, with summer signing Ricardinho and former Premier League striker Matej Vydra ready and waiting in reserve.

Vasulin has the shirt, though, and had netted in three straight games before failing to add to his tally off the bench in Sunday's win at Ceske Budejovice.

Both he and Sulc, 6/5 anytime, started from the bench before being introduced at half-time at Stadion Strelecky ostrov, hinting that Miroslav Koubek was keeping them in reserve for Thursday.

Expect the powerful Vasulin to cause problems from the off and do not be surprised to see him get on the scoresheet, with him 5/1 to break the deadlock.

Half with most goals - 2nd half - 1/1

Plzen's excellent defensive record and Hearts' scoring issues could lead to a slow start as the hosts sit back and it is worth favouring the second half when considering which 45 might see the most goalmouth action.

That has been the case in the home team's last four games and five of their seven outings for the season overall.

Both of Falkirk's goals on Saturday also came in the second half so a repeat outcome is worth looking out for.

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Viktoria Plzen v Heart of Midlothian odds

Viktoria Plzen - 4/9
Draw - 16/5
Hearts - 21/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.