HEARTS have their eyes on a place in the Europa League group stages when Plzen visit in the play-off second leg this Thursday.

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

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Hearts vs Viktoria Plzen preview

Last week’s 1-0 defeat in the Czech Republic was a sickener for Steven Naismith’s side.

An own goal, deep, deep into injury time knocked the stuffing out a Jambos side that had competed well throughout the course of the night.

But it has to be put in perspective. Since 2017, Plzen have played 32 European home games and lost only five.

Of those five? Four of them were against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan.

That’s a phenomenal stat and as much as Hearts would’ve loved to be added to that list, a 1-0 defeat is not insurmountable and a packed Tynecastle at their back will help.

What won’t help, is the fact they had to play last weekend – losing once again to Motherwell this time – while their opponents had the weekend off. As mentioned plenty of times already these past few weeks, we don’t really like to help our sides on the continent in this country. That has to change.

Is Hearts vs Plzen on TV?

• Hearts vs Plzen will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland.
• It’s also available to be streamed on the BBC Sport Scotland website.
• Alternatively, SunSport will keep you up to date with the score on X.

Hearts vs Plzen latest odds

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

Hearts vs Plzen betting tips

Half a chance

Hearts won’t have too much to fear bringing the Czech side to Tynecastle on Thursday.

It’ll be interesting to see if they take the game to Plzen early on, or look to stay in the tie as the evening rolls on.

Either way, winning either half is an absolute must if they want to progress and despite their terrible early season form, there’s no reason they can’t turn it on here.

• Hearts to win either half at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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