CSKA Moscow v Man City Odds : Citizens face a tough ask in Russia
Manchester City remains 3/4 favourites to pick up a win against CSKA in a rain-affected Moscow as Bayern look to keep their momentum rolling with victory against Viktoria Plzen.
Russia has always proven a tricky place to visit for English sides and Manchester City get to experience the wonders of playing on an artificial surface against CSKA Russia.
Man City have had a hit-and-miss start to their Champions League campaign as their victory against Plzen was overshadowed by a devastating home loss to Bayern Munich leaving Manuel Pellegrini’s side second in the group standings.
CSKA Moscow  |
5/1 |
Draw  |
3/1 |
| Man City |
3/4 |
City will still be without several of their key defenders with both Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis still on the injured list whilst Jack Rodwell has also stayed at home following a hamstring problem.
Alvaro Negredo is also expected to keep his place in the starting line-up alongside Sergio Aguero as their strong recent form continues to keep Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic out of the starting line-up
CSKA Moscow have had a lot to answer for ahead of the tie with a waterlogged pitch in Moscow forcing UEFA to hold an emergency inspection to see whether the game could go ahead.
With the game getting the green light, CSKA will now need to look for cover with several of their star names such as Igor Akinfeev and Alan Dzagoev out with knee and hamstring troubles respectively.
The Russian side have been on poor form in recent weeks and also lost star striker Seydou Doumbia to a hamstring injury in their 2-1 loss to Zenit last weekend putting additional pressure on the likea of Keisuke Honda and Vagner Love to deliver in tonight’s game.
In the other Group D clash, group leaders Bayern Munich host Czech side Viktoria Plzen where the Czech minnows will be looking to cause one of the upsets of the competition so far.
Bayern have been in supreme form all season having failed to lose a game both in Europe and in the Bundesliga meanwhile Plzen have yet to pick up a single point in the group stages so far.
The defending champions will have to try and get a win without the aid of Frank Ribery who is nursing an ankle injury whilst Plzen will be pleased to have some of their key players such as Pavel Horvath and Tomas Horava available for the trip to Germany.
With Bayern expected to maintain their lead at the top of the group, Manchester City will need to overcome a tough test in Russia if they are to maintain their hopes of advancing to the next round.
