Baník Ostrava vs Plzen - Czech Liga

The history between Baník Ostrava and Plzen lends this Czech Liga fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on April 25, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Czech Liga contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — DLD over their last five, a win rate of 33.33%. The visitors arrive short of confidence, LLWLD in their last five and a season win rate of just 22.22%. The contrast in attacking output — 0.78 versus 1.89 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. Carrick spoke to the media before his captain was seen limping, but did explain why he didn't take him off despite the commanding position his team were in.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. New: Arsenal optimistic after “progress” on Vini Jr transfer + still keen on another world class forward.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.