Preview: Viktoria Plzen vs. Bayern Munich - prediction, team news, lineups

The Czech Republic champions remain without a point after three matches in Group C, having conceded 12 goals with only one response.

Match preview

Indeed, Jan Sykora's effort against Barcelona on the opening matchday remains Plzen's only positive moment in the Champions League so far, albeit they would not have expected much having been drawn alongside three heavyweights in the shape of Bayern, Barca and Inter Milan.

This is their first appearance in Europe's elite competition's group stages for four years, when they surprised many by finishing third with seven points.

Having won their first title for four years in former Czech Republic boss Michel Bilek's first season in charge of the club, the 57-year-old would undoubtedly have hoped for a kinder draw to give his side at least a glimmer of hope of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the club's history.

However, Plzen have already opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Czech First League while boasting a game in hand, too, so they may have another bite at the cherry next season while still hoping to make an impact this time around.

Bilek will be demanding a more competitive display from his side on home soil than when suffering a 5-0 defeat away to Bayern last week, with those fans inside the Doosan Arena dreaming of executing one of the competition's greatest ever upsets on Wednesday.

Bayern, meanwhile, have made the perfect start to their Champions League campaign so far, having beaten each of their three opponents without conceding a single goal.

Leroy Sane continued his excellent form in front of goal by scoring twice against Plzen last week, before bagging again away to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

However, the Bavarians dropped points yet again as BVB came from two goals down to claim a precious point against their potential title rivals, although both sides have since slipped four points behind leaders Union Berlin at the top of the Bundesliga.

The stark contrast between Bayern's dominance in Europe and their stuttering league form is quite remarkable. Should Barcelona fail to beat Inter at Camp Nou and Bayern beat Plzen as expected, their place in the knockout stages would be secured with two matches to spare.

In reality, the job is probably already done providing that they avoid a shock defeat on their travels this week, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann likely to be more focused on ensuring that his side's league form picks up between now and the knockout stages beginning in February.

Viktoria Plzen Champions League form:

W

D

W

L

L

L

Bayern Munich Champions League form:

W

W

W

Bayern Munich form (all competitions):

D

W

L

W

W

D

Team News

Plzen will remain without Pavel Bucha, who is suspended for two more matches in Europe after his dismissal during the 2-0 defeat at home to Inter.

Peter Pejsa remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, but Vaclav Jemelka could come into the side in order to try to keep things tighter at the back.

Bayern have several players ruled out of their trip to Plzen, with injuries to Matthijs de Ligt, Lucas Hernandez, Alphonso Davies and Bouna Sarr leaving Nagelsmann incredibly short of defensive options.

Benjamin Pavard may be forced to tuck inside to partner Dayot Upamecano at centre-back, with Joshua Kimmich returning to his old position at right-back, and Noussair Mazraoui moving across to left-back.

Serge Gnabry is a doubt due to a knock, while Jamal Musiala tested positive for COVID-19 after his side's 2-2 draw at Dortmund on Saturday, meaning Sane, Sadio Mane and Thomas Muller could play in behind Eric Choupo-Moting.

Viktoria Plzen possible starting lineup:

Tvrdon; Holik, Hejda, Jemelka, Havel; Kalvach, N'Diaye; Kopic, Vlkanova, Mosquera; Chory

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Neuer; Kimmich, Pavard, Upamecano, Mazraoui; Goretzka, Sabitzer; Sane, Muller, Mane; Choupo-Moting

We say: Viktoria Plzen 0-3 Bayern Munich

Bayern's defensive injuries could provide the hosts with a glimmer of hope of causing an upset, but we expect Bayern to take a giant leap towards booking their place in the knockout stages by gaining a victory.

The Bavarians still possess plenty of attacking firepower despite being short of numbers at present, and Plzen struggled to live with this last week.

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