Benfica did well to eliminate Zenit in the first knockout round, and the Eagles are in optimistic mood ahead of the clash with Chelsea.

The Blues saved England’s face by overturning a two-goal deficit against Napoli to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, and they will fancy their chances against the Portuguese side.

Benfica have been thoroughly impressive in all the competitions entered this season and it is more than clear that heavy summer spending is finally paying off.

The Eagles impressed in Champions League group stages, winning the first place in front of Basel and Manchester United, while they managed to go past Zenit in the first knockout round.

The team have done really well on domestic stage, as they currently sit just one point behind leaders Porto in Primeira Liga and have qualified for the League Cup final by beating the Dragons in the semi-final.

Having won 11 of last 12 home games in all competitions, Benfica look a good bet at odds of 2.50 (3/2) offered by Stan James.

Pablo Aimar returns after missing the Zenit game through suspension, but Ezequiel Garay and Yannick Djalo miss out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Artur – Pereira, Luisao, Jardel, Emerson – Aimar, Garcia, Witsel – Rodrigo, Cardozo, Gaitan.

Chelsea appeared to be on the brink of Champions League exit after the disappointing 3-1 defeat at San Paolo, but the Blues produced a stunning performance in the return leg to win the tie 5-4 after extra time.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have been showing some improvement since Roberto Di Matteo was appointed caretaker manager, but 2-1 loss to City and goalless draw with Tottenham prove that the Blues flying high at the moment.

Just three days after the difficult derby game against Tottenham, Chelsea are set to face in-form Benfica at La Luz, and that is one of the reasons why odds of 3.30 (23/10) offered by BetVictor on away win don’t look too tempting.

Branislav Ivanovic is expected to return after recovering from a thigh problem, with Jose Bosingwa likely to be relegated to the bench.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole – Lampard, Essien, Ramires – Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.