Stamford Bridge — London
Team News
Chelsea
Didier Drogba is a doubt for Chelsea after he missed the trip to Aston
Villa at the weekend with a foot injury. However, he was an unused
substitute in the first leg, with Fernando Torres impressing and setting
up Saloman Kalou's crucial away goal, so Drogba may not have played
anyway. David Luiz is also a doubt with an ankle injury that forced him off at Villa Park at the weekend. Roberto Di Matteo has suggested that he will rotate a few players in
order to try and keep his squad fresh with a busy schedule ahead. Cole, Luiz and Meireles are all one yellow card away from suspension.
probable lineups : Cech, Cole, Cahill, Terry, Ivanovic, Essien, Mikel, Ramires, Mata, Torres, Kalou. (4-3-3).
Benfica
Centre back Jardel looks likely to miss the game with an injury, so Miguel Vitor could come in. Argentine Ezequiel Garay and Yannick Djalo both remain absent due to injury. Benfica were without Pablo Aimar for the win over Braga at the weekend,
but the playmaker could return to the starting XI, though young striker
Rodrigo will also be pushing for a starting berth. Benfica have no suspensions but have 5 first team players one yellow card away from incurring one.
probable lineups : Moraes, Pereira, Victor, Luisao, Emerson, Garcia, Witsel, Gaitan, Aimar, Cesar, Cardozo. (42-3-1).
Head to Head
Chelsea| Mar 31, 2012 | Aston Villa 2 - Chelsea FC 4 | EPL |
| Mar 27, 2012 | Benfica 0 - Chelsea FC 1 | UCL |
| Mar 24, 2012 | Chelsea FC 0 - Tottenham 0 | EPL |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Manchester City FC 2 - Chelsea FC 1 | EPL |
| Mar 18, 2012 | Chelsea FC 5 - Leicester 2 | FA |
Benfica| Mar 31, 2012 | Benfica 2 - Sporting Braga 1 | POR1 |
| Mar 27, 2012 | Benfica 0 - Chelsea FC 1 | UCL |
| Mar 23, 2012 | SC Olhanense 0 - Benfica 0 | POR1 |
| Mar 16, 2012 | Benfica 3 - Beira-Mar 1 | POR1 |
| Mar 11, 2012 | Paços Ferreira 1 - Benfica 2 | POR1 |
| UEFA Champions League | Mar 27, 2012 | Benfica 0 - Chelsea FC 1 |
Prediction
Chelsea picked up a hugely impressive 1-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz
in the first leg, with Saloman Kalou justifying Roberto Di Matteo's
decision to select him by scoring the only goal of the game. Fernando
Torres was also on form in that game and will hope that he can hit a run
of form after a difficult first year at Chelsea. The atmosphere at
Stamford Bridge is likely to be very lively, after the way Chelsea beat
Napoli to make it through to this stage of the competition.
Benfica got back to winning ways against Braga at the weekend - a result
that gives them a massive boost in the title race in the Portuguese
league. However, they have relied heavily on their home form throughout
the season in domestic competition and the Champions League and would
have hoped to be taking a lead to London rather than be heading there
having to score at least once, and most probably more. They have won
only 2 of their 6 away games in the Champions League this season
(including qualifiers), though they have scored in all of those games.
They may well pick up a draw here, and the away goals will make Chelsea
nervous and their crowd will be affected too. However, after the result
in the first leg Chelsea should progress.
Chelsea 2 - 2 Benfica
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