The Champions League (CL) progression spots are all sewn up in Group G, yet for home side Plzeň this game remains all to play for – a win will guarantee the Czech champions third-place and that all-important spot in the Europa League (EL) knockouts.It was Plzeň’s 2-1 away win at CSKA Moscow in their last CL outing that put them in the EL driving seat – just their second win in 11 previous group stage games (W2, D1, L8). One morale boosting stat for the hosts however, is that they’re unbeaten at home against Italian sides in European competition (W1, D2).
If the Italians are to taste victory, recent history points to a strong first half. Each of Roma’s last six wins (in all competitions) saw them ahead at the break – including the visitors’ 5-0 thrashing of Plzeň in the reverse fixture, Roma’s biggest ever CL win.
