Preview: Viktoria Plzen vs. Qarabag FK - prediction, team news, lineups

Following a goalless draw in the first leg, there is still all to play for and both teams will be up for the challenge with the finish line just 90 minutes away.

Match preview

Qarabag failed to make home advantage count in their favour against Plzen when the teams locked horns at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Gurban Gurbanov's men were in the ascendancy for the majority of the contest but the champions from Azerbaijan failed to find the breakthrough.

Having been relieved of any domestic duty over the course of the weekend, the Horsemen now set out for what is undoubtedly their most important game of the season to date.

Off the back of two straight victories on the road by a combined score of 5-1, Tuesday's visitors will be looking to channel their newly-found resilience away from home.

There is no doubt that Plzen would have been the happier of the two sides at the sound of the full-time whistle following their first-leg stalemate against Qarabag in Baku.

Michal Bilek had their backs against the wall for long spells of the game but held on to secure an impressive share of the spoils on enemy territory.

The Czech Republic outfit now prepare for a crucial 90 minutes in front of their fans where they have won each of their most recent involvements.

Aiming to secure a place in Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2019, Tuesday's hosts now prepare for the final step of a six-game qualifying journey.

Viktoria Plzen Champions League form:

Viktoria Plzen form (all competitions):

Qarabag FK Champions League form:

Qarabag FK form (all competitions):

Team News

Having scored in three straight home games for Viktoria Plzen, 28-year-old Jan Kliment will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Off the back of an un-impactful performance last time out where he was subbed out just shy of the hour mark, Jhon Mosquera could be dropped to the bench here.

Qara Qarayev made his return to the Qarabag starting XI against Plzen and the midfielder will be expected to retain his place in the lineup.

Julio Romao was handed a breather in the aforementioned match but he could get the nod to feature right from the off in this one.

Viktoria Plzen possible starting lineup:

Stanek; Jemelka, Pernica, Hejda; Havel, Kalvach, Bucha, Sykora, Kpoic; Chory, Mosquera

Qarabag FK possible starting lineup:

Mahammadaliyev; Bayramov, Huseynov, Vesovic, Mustafazada; Jankovic, Qarayev, Kady; Zoubir, Wadji, Sheydayev

We say: Viktoria Plzen 1-0 Qarabag FK

With little error for margin here, we are anticipating a cagey affair with neither team giving too much away. That said, we are also tipping Viktoria Plzen to narrowly come out on top in the end.

Previews by email