Manchester City's third straight Champions League campaign begins today with a new head coach and aspirations of not repeating the last two season's rather lackluster group stage performances.
Viktoria Plzen vs. Manchester City: Preview and TV schedule
Manchester City travels to the Czech Republic looking to get their Champions League campaign off to a positive start.
Alex Livesey
Manuel Pellegrini was brought in over the summer for many reasons but his success in guiding Malaga deep into last season’s tournament was undoubtedly part of the allure for City’s ownership.
More from our team site: Manchester City blog Bitter and Blue
After fielding a weakened side over the weekend -- a move that cost his side points -- it's clear that Pellegrini is focused on the Champions League and is treating is a priority for City. Captain and central defender Vincent Kompany has been training with the first team again as he recovers from a groin injury and could make his return on Tuesday, which would be a massive boost to City's back line with is riddled with injuries at the moment. Playmaker David Silva will miss out as he works back from a thigh injury.
For Plzen, who currently sit atop the Czech Leauge with six wins from their first eight matches, things have been made tougher by the news that their joint-top scorer from qualifying defender Marián Čišovský will be unavailable with a calf injury. Radim Řezník will undergo a late fitness test to determine if he’ll be available form the bench.
Viktoria Plzen injuries and suspensions
Out: Marián Čišovský (calf). In doubt: Radim Řezník (knock).
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: Martin Demichelis (knee), David Silva (thigh), Gael Clichy (knock), Micah Richards (hamstring). In doubt: Vincent Kompany (groin).
Projected lineups
Viktoria Plzen: Matúš Kozáčik; František Rajtoral, Lukáš Hejda, Václav Procházka, David Limberský; Tomáš Hořava, Pavel Horváth; Milan Petržela, Daniel Kolář, Michal Ďuriš; Tomáš Wágner.
Manchester City: Joe Hart; Pablo Zabaleta, Joleon Lescott, Matija Nastasić, Aleksandar Kolarov; Yaya Touré, Fernandinho; Jesus Navas, Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Džeko
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Doosan Arena, Plzen, Czech Republic
TV: Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Prima Cool TV (Czech Republic)
Online: Fox Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
More in Soccer:
See More:
