Viktoria Plzen welcome Red Star Belgrade to Doosan Arena on Thursday night for the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie, knowing they require a remarkable comeback to keep their league-phase hopes alive.The Serbian champions travel to the Czech Republic holding a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage following an impressive first-leg performance, leaving the hosts needing one of the greatest European turnarounds in their recent history.Verdict: DrawBest odds: 57/20Bookmaker: 1xBetViktoria PlzenViktoria Plzen enter the second leg amid significant change after appointing Radoslav Kovac as their new manager. The former Czech international was handed the role following the dismissal of Martin Hysky and immediately faces the daunting task of trying to inspire a dramatic recovery.The timing of the managerial change reflects a disappointing start to the campaign. Plzen have struggled for consistency domestically, winning only one of their opening five competitive matches and finding themselves lower in the Czech First League table than expected.Their problems were exposed further in Belgrade last week when Red Star delivered a clinical display to establish a three-goal cushion. Facing such a deficit places the Czech side firmly on the back foot, but they will hope a change of leadership can provide an immediate psychological boost.Home support could become a major factor. The atmosphere at Doosan Arena is expected to be intense, and an early goal would at least provide the belief required to make the visitors uncomfortable.Team NewsTeam news is relatively positive for Kovac’s first game in charge. Vaclav Jemelka remains unavailable with a knee issue, while Jan Paluska is sidelined by a groin injury. Otherwise, the new manager has the majority of his squad available.Matej Vydra, Christophe Kabongo and Prince Adu are competing for places in attack, while experienced midfielder Patrik Hrosovsky is expected to remain central to Plzen’s game plan. Several tactical adjustments from the first leg are anticipated as the hosts search for a more aggressive approach.Red Star BelgradeRed Star arrive in the Czech Republic in an extremely strong position and with momentum fully on their side. The Serbian champions followed up their first-leg triumph by defeating Cukaricki 4-0 in domestic action, maintaining their perfect start to the season.That result underlined the confidence currently flowing through Albert Riera’s squad. Red Star have combined defensive solidity with attacking efficiency in recent weeks and now stand within touching distance of another European league-phase appearance.Their recent record in Europa League qualification is also impressive. The Belgrade club have regularly demonstrated an ability to successfully navigate playoff ties and possess significantly greater European experience than many of their rivals at this stage.While Red Star will not underestimate the challenge of playing away from home, the nature of their first-leg advantage allows them flexibility. They can afford to approach the match with patience, knowing that forcing Plzen to commit numbers forward should create opportunities on the counter-attack.Team NewsThere could be changes to the side that started at the weekend. Rade Krunic is expected to return to a deeper midfield role, while Osman Bukari, Marko Arnautovic and Muhammed Clam could all come back into the attacking lineup after being rested.Captain Mirko Ivanic remains one of the key figures in the squad after scoring twice in the first leg, and he is expected to play an important role once again.Key Factors to ConsiderRed Star hold a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg.Viktoria Plzen begin a new era under recently appointed manager Radoslav Kovac.The hosts have won only one of their opening five competitive matches this season.Red Star have started the new campaign with a perfect record and arrive full of confidence.Plzen must attack from the outset, which could leave gaps for the Serbian side to exploit.Mirko Ivanic was the standout performer in the first leg with two goals.ConclusionViktoria Plzen will attempt to harness the energy of a home crowd eager to see a response under new management, but overturning a three-goal deficit against an opponent as experienced as Red Star represents an enormous challenge.An aggressive start from the hosts is inevitable, yet that approach may ultimately play into the hands of a Serbian side well equipped to punish teams on the break. Red Star possess greater confidence, superior momentum and a substantial aggregate lead.While Plzen should produce a more competitive display than they managed in Belgrade, Red Star are expected to negotiate the second leg successfully and advance to the Europa League league phase without serious difficulty.Verdict: DrawBest odds: 57/20Bookmaker: 1xBetThe post Prediction: Viktoria Plzen vs Red Star Belgrade appeared first on SoccerNews.