CSKA Moscow vs FK Viktoria Plzen Predictions

CSKA Moscow and Viktoria Plzen were never likely to challenge for the top 2 spots in Champions League Group G, and coming into matchday 5 of the group stages it’s not looking likely that they will defy the odds. CSKA Moscow are 5 points adrift of Roma in 2nd place, while Viktoria Plzen are already out of the running with an 8 point deficit.

However, there is still the significant matter of the Europa League knockout rounds for these sides to consider. A victory for CSKA Moscow on Tuesday would see them seal at least some measure of European football in the second half of the season, but a win for Viktoria Plzen would bring the Czech side on a level footing with their Russian opponents.

Things do look decidedly in favour of CSKA Moscow though. They managed to pull back a 2 goal deficit when they visited Viktoria Plzen in matchday 1 of the group stages, and while they did lose their last home Champions League game against Roma they also managed a shock win over Real Madrid earlier in the season.

Viktoria Plzen, meanwhile, remain winless in the competition and that point at home to CSKA Moscow is the only match in which they’ve avoided defeat in the Champions League. To make matters worse, they have only won 2 of their last games in all competitions, so confidence in Plzen’s camp is very low right now.

CSKA Moscow are also underperforming domestically, but they have a respectable record at home in the Champions League as well. They have lost just 5 of their last 17 home games in the competition and have even managed to win 4 of their last 7.

Viktoria Plzen, meanwhile, have won just 1 of their last 9 trips away in the competition, and that was a 2-1 victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv back in the 2015/16 qualifying rounds. In the group stages they have actually lost 7 of their 8 trips away, so we think there’s value to be had in backing a CSKA Moscow win on Tuesday along with a 2-0 correct score predictions.