Match Overview

The Matchday 3 fixture of the 2025/26 group stage between “Roma” (Italy) and “Viktoria Plzen” (Czech Republic) is set for October 23 at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This comprehensive preview offers a unique prediction, detailed analysis, and key statistics for the Roma vs Viktoria Plzen encounter.

Roma’s Recent Performance

Under Gian Piero Gasperini’s leadership, the Italian squad experienced a 0-1 home defeat against Lille in the last round. This result ended their impressive 5-match unbeaten run in home fixtures. Moreover, the team failed to keep a clean sheet for the sixth consecutive game in this European competition. Roma currently occupies 15th place in the tournament standings with three points.

• The club has avoided defeat in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the (5 wins, 1 draw).
• The team has scored at least two goals in 4 of their last 5 home appearances in this European competition.
• Both competing teams have found the back of the net in 5 of Roma’s last 6 fixtures.

Roma’s Probable Starting XI (3-4-3)*

Mile Svilar – Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso, Zeki Celik – Wesley França, Bryan Cristante, Neil El Aynaoui, Kostas Tsimikas – Lorenzo Pellegrini, Evan Ferguson, Matias Soulé.

Defender Angeliño is anticipated to miss the match due to an injury.

Viktoria Plzen’s Form Guide

The Czech team secured a dominant 3-0 home victory against Malmö in their previous fixture. This win marked Viktoria Plzen’s first success in four matches, and they also managed to keep a clean sheet. Additionally, it was only the second time in their last 19 matches in this European competition that they won by a wide margin. The club is currently in eighth place in the league table with four points.

• The team has not achieved a victory in 6 of their last 7 away games in the (4 draws, 2 losses).
• The club’s players have scored in 8 of their last 9 away matches in this European competition.
• The Czech side has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 away fixtures.

Viktoria Plzen’s Probable Starting XI (4-5-1)*

Martin Jedlička – Merchas Doski, Karel Spáčil, Václav Jemelka, Sampson Dweh – Matěj Vydra, Lukáš Červ, Denis Višinský, Matěj Valenta, Amar Memić – Rafiu Durosinmi.

Midfielders Jan Kopic and Jiří Panoš, along with forward Rafiu Durosinmi, are currently sidelined with injuries. Defender Merchas Doski is suspended. Furthermore, it should be noted that Martin Hyský took over as head coach before this round, replacing Miroslav Koubek.

Referee Profile

Umut Meler (Turkey)

Matches officiated – 13 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 54;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties awarded – 38%.

Roma vs Viktoria Plzen: Our Match Prediction

The Roman club rarely encounters difficulties in finding the net and consistently performs well in front of goal on their home ground. In their last 27 home matches within the , Roma failed to score on only two occasions, while netting at least two goals in 19 of those fixtures. However, their defensive line at home is not always impeccable: they have managed to keep just three clean sheets in their last nine European home games.

Viktoria Plzen typically emphasizes offensive play and often succeeds in attack, even when playing away from home. In their last nine away encounters, the team failed to score only once, and in four of those matches, they bagged at least two goals. Nevertheless, the club’s defensive reliability is a concern: Viktoria has conceded goals in 13 of their last 14 away matches in this competition.

Considering both teams’ attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, we anticipate a dynamic match with both sides contributing to the scoreboard. Our prediction for this fixture is:  Both Teams to Score – Yes.

* The starting lineup indicated for each team is based on their most recent match in this particular tournament.