Lillestrom vs Plzen Europa League preview: probable lineups, match prediction, bet builder tips and standout odds, plus team news and best bet ideas.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Match Summary
Competition | Europa League |
|---|---|
Match Date | Thursday 5 November 2026 |
Match Time | 17:45 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Arasen Stadion |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | TNT Sport Extra (UK) |
Two sides still chasing a first Europa League win meet on Thursday night, as Lillestrom host Plzen at Arasen Stadion in a fixture neither can afford to lose.
Lillestrom have a solitary point from their European outings, but a run of domestic wins has rebuilt some confidence after a 6-0 home hammering by Real Sociedad.
Plzen have lost every European fixture so far. Domestically, though, they look a different animal, winning three straight away from home with goals to spare.
With both clubs near the foot of the table and knockout hopes fading, this is a proper must-win, and our Lillestrom vs Plzen prediction leans firmly towards the visitors.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Form
Lillestrom arrive on the back of a domestic winning run, the latest a 1-0 Eliteserien victory away at IK Start. Europe has been far harsher, and a defence that keeps leaking goals at Arasen Stadion remains the big worry. Gustav Nyheim is the man to watch, with Lillestrom winning all seven games in which he has scored.
Plzen's European campaign has been a write-off so far, with a home defeat by Levski Sofia the latest setback. Domestic form tells a very different story, capped by a 4-0 Chance Liga win away at Baník Ostrava. Amar Memić is the creative spark, laying on three assists at the weekend.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
Lillestrom: Espen Garnås (Injured/out), Camil Jebara (Injured/out)
Plzen: Václav Jemelka (Injured/out), Jan Paluska (Injured/out)
Lillestrom
The home side of the Lillestrom vs Plzen lineups looks settled. Espen Garnås and Camil Jebara are out injured, but there are no fresh concerns, so the hosts can keep things largely unchanged. Filip Ottosson should anchor the engine room, with Thomas Lehne Olsen leading the line as Lillestrom's most productive Europa League player this season.
Plzen
Plzen are without Václav Jemelka and Jan Paluska through injury, but have no other selection problems. Rotation has been a theme, with more changes to the starting line-up than any other side in the Europa League this season. Lukáš Červ and Patrik Hrošovský should pair up in midfield, with Memić and Alexandr Sojka supporting Prince Adu.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Predicted Lineup
Lillestrom
Formation: 4-1-4-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Pontus Dahlberg, Yaw Paintsil, Ruben Gabrielsen, Sander Foss, Lars Ranger, Filip Ottosson, Gustav Nordh, Gustav Nyheim, Ylldren Ibrahimaj, Vá, Thomas Lehne Olsen (probable)
Plzen
Formation: 3-4-2-1 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: Florian Wiegele, Filip Prebsl, Sampson Dweh, Tobiás Paliscák, Merchas Doski, Patrik Hrošovský, Lukáš Červ, Adam Gabriel, Amar Memić, Alexandr Sojka, Prince Adu (probable)
Lillestrom vs Plzen Key Stats & Match Facts
Thomas Lehne Olsen has scored in 2 of his last 3 appearances (Europa League).
Stefan Pirgic has been carded in 2 of his last 3 appearances (Europa League).
There have been 9+ shots on target in 3 of Lillestrom's last 3 matches (Europa League).
Lillestrom vs Plzen Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Lillestrom 2-3 Plzen. The hosts have been too generous at the back to trust, while Plzen's attack has clicked into gear away from home. Expect a messy, open game, with the visitors' extra quality in the final third settling it. Plzen are 5/4 with William Hill and are the right side.
Best Bets
Over 3.5 goals in the Total Goals Over/Under market. Both sides have been involved in high-scoring games. Plzen's last ten matches have all been goal-fests, and Lillestrom keep shipping goals on home soil. With the projected total sitting at 3.45, this is the pick of our Lillestrom vs Plzen best bets.
Plzen to win in the Win Market. The visitors are the model's favourites. Our projections give Plzen a 47% win probability, comfortably clear of the hosts. Their attack has been firing domestically, and that cutting edge should tell against a fragile Lillestrom back line.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Bet Builder
Our Lillestrom vs Plzen bet builder tips combine a Plzen win, Christophe Kabongo to score anytime, both teams to score and Merchas Doski to be shown a card.
Plzen to win: the visitors have found the net in eight straight competitive fixtures, and Lillestrom's defence has given little reason to expect a clean sheet.
Christophe Kabongo to score anytime: he scored Plzen's only goal in the defeat by Levski Sofia, and the visitors should create plenty against a generous back line.
Both teams to score: Plzen's games keep turning into open contests, and Lillestrom have made fast starts lately. The leg is 1/2 with Bet365 on its own.
Merchas Doski to be shown a card: he is set to start at left wing-back, a role that invites plenty of duels in a game we expect to be stretched.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 16/1 and is as short as 12/1 elsewhere.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Talking Points
The headline question is simple: can Lillestrom's defence survive Plzen's attack? Memić is the one to watch as the game wears on, with most of his goals for Plzen arriving after half-time. Lillestrom have been quick out of the blocks lately, so an early home goal would not be a shock, but the visitors have more ways to hurt you. The Lillestrom vs Plzen betting odds have the draw at 3/1 with Skybet. Lillestrom are out at 2/1 with 10Bet, which looks about right for a side this open at the back. Off the pitch, capacity on the KFL supporters' stand at Arasen Stadion has been reduced to meet UEFA safety directives.
Lillestrom vs Plzen Predictions FAQs
When is Lillestrom vs Plzen?
Lillestrom vs Plzen kicks off at 17:45 UK time on Thursday 5 November 2026.
Where is Lillestrom vs Plzen being played?
The match is being played at Arasen Stadion.
Where can I watch Lillestrom vs Plzen on TV?
The match is listed on TNT Sport Extra.
What competition is Lillestrom vs Plzen in?
Lillestrom vs Plzen is a Europa League match.
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