FK Viktoria Plzen vs CSKA Moscow Predictions

In the last 15 seasons, the Champions League hasn’t been won by a side from Group G. It’s unlikely that either Viktoria Plzen or CSKA Moscow are going to change that. These two are the outsiders in Group G, which is headed up by Real Madrid and Roma. The pair are likely to harbour outside hopes of a top two finish, but it’s hard to see them challenging either of the two favourites for the last 16. However, CSKA are building up a decent track record in this competition, so can they come here and grab a win?

The hosts are the leaders at the top of the Czech top flight, with seven wins from eight matches so far. However, their Champions League record isn’t that great, given that they’re winless in seven matches. Their last result in this competition saw them beaten 4-1 at home by Basel, so a home win doesn’t seem all that likely. For all of their domestic strength, it’s hard to make a case for Plzen succeeding on the continental stage.

CSKA Moscow came up short in their push for a last 16 place last season, losing out to Basel for that position. However, they did finish ahead of Benfica, winning home and away to the Portuguese giants. They come in to this encounter aiming to start this campaign on a positive note and build up some form to put pressure on Roma – the side they’re likely to challenge for second in this season’s competition. However, could defensive concerns take their toll on CSKA this week?

The visitors are fresh from an impressive 3-0 win at Ufa, which is a really solid result. However, they are also on a poor run of form in the Champions League. The exploits of CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev in European competition are well known. The Russian international has kept just seven clean sheets in 55 Champions League matches, conceding 92 goals. No keeper who has played 50+ matches in the competition has a higher goals conceded ratio than the Russian (1.67 per game on average).

All of CSKA’s away ties last season saw both teams score, as they won 2-1 at Benfica and Basel, and lost to United by the same scoreline. Plzen have seen BTTS land in four of their last five matches in this competition. Their poor home form has us siding with the visitors, but Plzen should be the latest side to find a way through the generous CSKA defence. We’re backing both teams to score here, and a 2-1 away win.