Manchester City v Viktoria Plzen, Champions League: Where to Watch Live, Preview and Team News

Manuel Pellegrini will take in charge of his first Champions League game as Manchester City manager as the Citizens travel to the Czech Republic to take on Viktoria Plzen at Struncovy Sady on Tuesday evening. The defending champions Bayern Munich and Russian side CSKA Moscow are also pitted in Group D, who will face each other at Allianz Arena.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7:45pm BST. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

Plzen return to the most elite club competition in Europe after two years, where they were knocked out in the group stages with the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan. The Czech side made it to the Champions League group stages after defeating Nomme Kalju 10-2 on aggregate during the qualifiers.

The Gambrinus champions enter this game after their 1-1 draw against FC Slovan Liberec last week. Daniel Kolar gave an early lead for Pavel Vrba's side but Radoslav Kovac's goal in the final quarter of the game saw Plzen settle for a draw away from home.

Kolar scored in his last three appearances and Vrba will be banking on him to fire when Plzen takes on City for the Champions League fixture.

Meanwhile, City have had disappointing last two seasons in the European competition after crashing out in the group stages for two years in a row. Pellegrini will be looking to end the Citizens poor run in the Champions League as he will be eyeing to progress to the knockout round.

The visitors come into this game after their goalless draw against Stoke City in the Premier League fixture away from home. However, on the brighter side, City have kept three clean sheets in their last four games played in the domestic competition. The Chilean manager will be banking on his side to keep another clean sheet when they face Plzen on Tuesday evening.

What Managers Say

Pavel Vrba: "Two years ago we were probably nervous, feeling the excitement as soon as we arrived in Prague. We have watched Manchester City's recent games in the Premier League, studying their formation and tactics. The important thing is to become familiar with our opponent and find ways to surprise them."

Manuel Pellegrini: "We have to win this game. It's very important to start the group on a winning note. However, we know that we're playing a strong team. Vincent Kompany is a vital player for us, although the defence, apart from the game at Cardiff, have played well in his absence."

Team Form

Viktoria Plzen