Preview: Benfica v Zenit

While André Villas-Boas admits his FC Zenit side would settle for a draw, Jorge Jesus wants nothing less than a win for SL Benfica as they encounter several familiar faces.

• Benfica boss Jorge Jesus says Group C is too close to call
• André Villas-Boas admits that a draw would be good for his Zenit side
• Zenit are on a ten-match winning run, keeping seven clean sheets in that time
• Viktor Fayzulin is banned for Zenit; injury deprives Benfica of Sílvio and Júlio César
• Axel Witsel, Javi García and Ezequiel Garay all return to their former club

Possible lineupsBenfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Jardel, Eliseu; Samaris, Pérez, Gaitán, Salvio, Talisca; Lima.
• Out: Sílvio (leg), Júlio César (thigh)

Zenit: Lodygin; Smolnikov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito; Witsel, Javi García; Danny, Shatov; Rondón, Kerzhakov.
• Out: Viktor Fayzulin (suspended)

Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach
Axel Witsel and Javi García are in a better position than me – they know how exactly to stop us as they worked with me at Benfica two seasons ago. Zenit have three players [along with Ezequiel Garay] who fully understand Benfica's game plan.

We are optimistic and full of confidence. We have to understand that the other three teams are strong. It's a strong, well-balanced group. Any of the four teams can qualify or go to the UEFA Europa League. Zenit have started the season strongly, but likewise Leverkusen and Benfica. Monaco haven't done so well but they have lots of quality.

It would be great for Benfica to start this Champions League season with a win. If we do our job at home we'll be more confident and closer to going through. I have lost and I have won [against André Villas-Boas] and I am proud to be one of six Portuguese coaches in the Champions League.

อ้างอิง http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000548/match=2014320/prematch/preview/index.html