HEARTS head for the Czech Republic this week and a tough first leg of their Europa League play off against Viktoria Plzen.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

Viktoria Plzen vs Hearts preview

Hearts’ poor start to the season could turn around quite quickly with a positive result in the Czech Republic this week.

The Jambos have scored just once and failed to win any of their first three domestic games this season.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Championship side Falkirk compounded the start, with the pre-season results alarming for supporters too.

It’s led to Steven Naismith topping the betting to be the first manager to lose his job in the Scottish top flight.

That could all change in the next week or so, with Viktoria Plzen standing between them and a place in the Europa League group stages.

Group stage football is there for the Jambos in the Conference League should they fail to get through but it would be an almighty boost to make it to the second-tier competition.

Plzen are second in the Czech league after five games, scoring 12 and conceding just once so far.

They currently split Sparta and Slavia in the table, showing the level of sides they compete with domestically and the odds suggest it could be a difficult night for the Edinburgh side.

Is Plzen vs Hearts on TV?

• Plzen vs Hearts will NOT be broadcast live on TV.
• Streaming service SolidSport will have coverage of the game available to purchase
• Alternatively, SunSport will keep you up to date with the score on X.

Plzen vs Hearts latest odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Plzen vs Hearts betting tips

No time to Sulc

Hearts will need to stop midfielder Pavel Sulc if they want to take a decent result home to Tynecastle.

Easier said than done, though. Scored in both of the first two league games this season and went on to make it three in first five games.

• Pavel Sulc to score 1st at 9/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.

*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.