Manuel Pellegrini's team have been poor on the road in their opening two games, losing to Cardiff City in a thrilling 3-2 encounter and drawing with Stoke City at the weekend 0-0. City have also struggled in the Champions League in the last couple of seasons that they've been involved, failing to qualify in the last two campaigns.
Plzen come into this match in fine form, unbeaten in their last seven, winning six of those games. The Czech side have been ruthless in front of goal in Champions League qualifying, scoring 13 goals in their last three home matches.
Pavel Urba's side had to overcome Maribor, Kalju and Zeljeznicar to seal a spot in the group stages but this is a big step up in class. Bet365 price them at 9/2 "5.50" to get off to a flying start.
Despite struggling away from home in the league, City have won two matches this season, both at home. Pellegrini's side convincingly beat Newcastle United 4-0, before beating Hull City 2-0.
City have been handed a tough draw in the last two season in the Champions League, being paired with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax last year, and Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli in the previous campaign.
