Viktoria Plzen vs AC Milan preview - Czech champs target point

Posted Tuesday, December 06, 2011 by PA

Viktoria Plzen coach Pavel Vrba is confident his team can clinch the point they need to guarantee Europa League football in the new year when they host AC Milan in Champions League Group H.

The Czech champions cannot advance in Europe's premier competition but know a draw against Massimiliano Allegri's side, who have already secured second place in the pool, will assure them European football in the second half of the season.

Last month's 1-0 triumph at BATE Borisov - Plzen's first win in the Champions League - lifted them two points above fourth-placed BATE heading into the final round of group matches, which also see BATE visit leaders Barca.

"I don't think BATE Borisov can beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp," Vrba said. "But above all, I believe we'll get a point against AC Milan, which should be enough."

Plzen, who are third in the Czech league, will have to show a vast improvement from their 2-0 defeat at AC Milan back in October.

Milan coach Allegri has warned Plzen to expect a battle tomorrow despite his team having already secured a place in the next round.

The Rossoneri lost 3-2 against Barcelona at the San Siro last month - a result which clinched top spot in the group for Pep Guardiola's European champions.

"This game may not be significant with regards to the standings for us but we are Milan and we want to win this game," Allegri said. "Defeats are not good for the morale of the team.

"This should be a good test for us."

Allegri's men are in buoyant mood after a solid display saw them beat Genoa 2-0 in Serie A at the weekend.

The result extended Milan's unbeaten run in the domestic league to eight games and lifted the Rossoneri to second in the standings behind Juventus.

Marco Amelia will start in goal for the visitors, with Christian Abbiati still out injured.

The Rossoneri are also without defender Alessandro Nesta, midfielder Gennaro Gattuso and striker Antonio Cassano - all through injury - while midfielder Alberto Aquilani will serve a one-match ban.

Allegri is set to rest Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and play with Robinho alongside Alexandre Pato in attack.

Pato missed Saturday's game at Genoa with flu but is available for selection.

"Pato is well," Allegri said. "He needs to play more and he will do so in Prague."