Champions League Group D: Manchester City look to overcome demons from the past and secure place in the last 16
Manchester City are seen as overwhelming 1/6 favourites to beat Czech side Viktoria Plzen at The Etihad Stadium and secure the final qualification spot from Group D of the Champions League
Manchester City could reach the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in three years if they are able to get at least a point from their clash against Viktoria Plzen.
Man City |
1/6 |
Draw |
15/2 |
Plzen |
20/1 |
are currently in second place in Group D and sit six points ahead of challengers CSKA Moscow with only two games left to go in the competition.
After beating Tottenham 6-0 on Sunday, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to make several changes to the starting line-up with Joe Hart expected to regain his place in goal for the first time in three games.
Pellegrini is also expected to give several other fringe names a chance at showing what they can do with Micah Richards and Edin Dzeko expected to get the nod whilst the likes of Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero are rested for the game.
For Czech champions Viktoria Plzen, the aim of the game is to try and limit the damage that Man City could do with the minnows having failed to earn a point from their first 4 games and already conceding 8 goals on the road so far in the group stages.
One thing that may help the Czech side for their visit to Manchester will be the experience of defensive duo Marian Cisovsky and David Limbersky who have come off the back of playing against high-calibre opposition during the international break and will be adequately prepared for the task ahead.
In the other group game, Bayern Munich can virtually seal top spot in Group D with a win against Russian side CSKA Moscow in Russia.
Bayern are three points clear of Manchester City in the standings and their superior goal difference should be enough for them to secure top spot with a victory.
Pep Guardiola could make several changes to the side that beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 on Saturday and could hand starts to Daniel Van Buyten and Diego Contento in a much changed back line.
CSKA know that they must win if they have any chance of reaching the last 16 although the Russian side will have to do without striker Seydou Doumbia who is still out through injury.
Manchester City know that they can finally put their previous demons to bed with a win at The Etihad and show that they are a side who can perform on the biggest club stage football has to offer.
