Preview: Monaco vs. Benfica

As far as Benfica are concerned, a defeat in Monaco on Wednesday evening could well end their chances of advancing through to the knockout stages of this season's Champions League.

The Primeira Liga outfit are rooted to the bottom of Group C, having lost their opening two encounters at the hands of Zenit St Petersburg and Bayer Leverkusen.

In terms of team selection, head coach Jorge Jesus will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Artur, who served a suspension on matchday two. However, a leg injury is likely to sideline Atletico Madrid loanee Silvio.

Meanwhile, AS Monaco, who are second in the standings from Zenit on goal difference, will be without former Manchester United centre-forward Dimitar Berbatov because of an ankle complaint. In the Bulgarian's absence, ex-Everton loanee Lacina Traore may start, but a knee problem has ruled out Borja Lopez.

The match will mark the first that Monaco have played against Portuguese opposition since they were defeated in the final of the competition by Porto back in 2004.

As for Benfica, they have made 13 trips to France, with four victories to show for their efforts.

Recent form

Monaco: WWLDDW

Benfica: LWWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Monaco: Subasic; Kurzawa, Carvalho, Raggi, Fabinho; Bakayoko, Toulalan; Moutinho, Carrasco, Germain; Traore

Benfica: Artur; Pereira, Luisao, Eliseu, Lopez; Gaitan, Salvio, Samaris , Talisca; Lima, Derley

Sports Mole says: 1-1