Hradec Kralove vs Viktoria Plzen Prediction: Both teams will not have things easy

Hradec Kralove and Viktoria Plzen will battle it out in round 16 of the Czech Fortuna Liga game at Malsovicka Arena. The last time these two teams faced, Viktoria Plzen secured a hard-fought 1-0 win. Can Hradec Kralove take their chances at home? 

Hradec Kralove were held to a goalless draw by Liberec the previous time out before the break. In that encounter, Hradec Kralove had 56 percent possession and attempted nine shots while failing to net two that were on target. However, this team has not lost any of their last six matches, winning two and drawing four. However, Hradec Kralove have only 19 points from a possible 42. In those matches, Hradec Kralove scored 12 goals while conceding 11, leaving them seated 6th in the standings. 

Viktoria Plzen took on Bohemians before the break, and a 2-0 win at home was enough to seal maximum points. In that encounter, Matej Vydra and Daniel Vasulin both netted in the first half, while Cheick Souare's disallowed goal was the highlight of the second half. In the meantime, Viktoria Plzen head into this game with a record of six wins in their last eight matches. In that run, this team lost to Slovacko away from home while settling for a 2-2 draw with PAOK in the Europa League.  

I do not see Hradec Kralove settling for a point in this game, as they will look to boost their spot in the standings. Having not lost any of their recent matches, the fact that Hradec Kralove have settled for a draw in recent matches raises concerns about how well they can hold against a Plzen side that have been dominant in the league lately. The road team has not found success on the road in this game in the last matches and could struggle here, too. Yet, I feel Hradec Kralove's poor attacking will deny them their chances, as a goal in the second half should be enough to seal a win for the visiting Plzen.