Heart of Midlothian take on Viktoria Plzen this week in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round for a place in the league phase of the tournament. 

More than 600 fans will make the trip to Czechia for the match before the return leg at Tynecastle Park a week on Thursday.

A place in the league phase of the newly formatted Europa League is at stake. It will bring eight games with some big clubs having already qualified, including the likes of Roma, Lazio and Manchester United.

The losing team will drop into the league phase of the Conference League and play six matches.

Here is everything you need to know about the match:

Who: Viktoria Plzen v Heart of Midlothian

What: Europa League play-off round

Where: Doosan Arena, Plzen

When: Thursday, August 22. Kick-off: 7pm local time (6pm UK)

Is the game on TV?

As of yet, no announcement has been made regarding television coverage in the UK. 

Is there a stream available?

Hearts fans, however, will be able to watch via a stream on Solidport. The PPV is available for €12 from HERE.

Ticket situation

Hearts announced on Saturday that the club had sold out its allocation of 627 tickets.

Viktoria Plzen have issued a statement on the measures that will be in place around the stadium:

  • Entry to the stadium will only be allowed to citizens of the Czech Republic and citizens who prove their permanent residence in the territory of the Czech Republic. For children up to 15 years of age accompanied by an adult, one document for this adult is sufficient. 

  • An identity check will be carried out at the entrance to the stadium for this match, each adult fan will be required to present an identity document proving the fulfillment of the above condition (identity card, passport). For children under 15 accompanied by an adult, one document of this adult's accompaniment is sufficient. Visitors who do not prove that they meet the conditions of entry will be denied entry to the stadium, regardless of whether they have a valid ticket and without the right to a refund of the entrance fee.

  • For Heart of Midlothian fans, tickets are reserved exclusively for the away team's fan section through the distribution of these tickets by the away team. 

  • With the exception of the away section, fans wearing Heart of Midlothian FC shirts, scarves and other fan insignia will not be allowed into the stadium, regardless of ticket validity and without entitlement to a refund.

Are Hearts missing any players?

Hearts have left injured duo Calem Nieuwenhof and Beni Baningime out of the squad list for the two-legged tie, as well as new signing Andres Salazar. Frankie Kent could be available again after missing the loss to Falkirk in the cup due to a toe infection.

"It's like with any infection, how long it takes to go away, that's it," Steven Naismith said. "It's been like that for a fair few days so we're hoping that the medication he's on has kicked right in and it has improved most days."

What Steven Naismith said:

“They've got a way of playing, they've not changed too much from last season to this season. They've got some good quality players, some experienced players as well but they've got some good quality players that can hurt you."

Viktoria Plzen team news

The Czech side could be missing a few players. Christophe Kabongo is out with a knee injury. Cheick Souare, Jan Sykora, Lukas Hejda, Martin Jedlicka are doubtful. Viktor Baier, Rafiu Durosinmi and Jan Paluska could also be missing.

What Miroslav Koubek said: 

“Yes, I've seen them before, we're in for a tough treat again. They are good. I invite all our fans, it will be an important match! It is the basis of success, when you collect a clean sheet, you cannot lose. We have attacking potential in the team and I believe that we will always score a goal."

Referee

German official Sven Jablonski