With second-placed Monaco just one point clear and facing Bayer Leverkusen away, both Zenit and Benfica can stake their claim for a place in the knockout stages by winning in St Petersburg.

Given the heavy investment in the playing squad, the Russian giants did not exactly impress in Europe’s elite competition over the years.

They progressed from the group stage two times in four attempts and are now in a good position to reach the Last 16 phase one more time.

While creating an eight-point lead at the Russian Premier League summit, Zenit enjoyed a bright start to the Champions League campaign, defeating Benfica away before sharing spoils with Monaco.

However, back to back defeats to Bayer Leverkusen saw them slip to third in the standings, meaning they now need to try and defeat the Eagles at home.

Zenit haven’t been too impressive in Champions League fixtures at home, but they have been made 2.05 (21/20) favourites to claim maximum points.

Key forward Danny will return having been rested at the weekend, while Alexandr Kerzhakov faces a fitness test on match day.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lodygin – Anyukov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito – Garcia, Witsel – Hulk, Danny, Shatov – Rondon.

Benfica have seriously raised the club profile with some impressive performances in Champions League and Europa League of late, but they cannot seem to win a major title.

The Eagles have lost two Europa League finals in a row, and in turn had a pretty disappointing start to the new CL campaign.

Nevertheless, Benfica recovered well from opening defeats to Zenit and Bayer Leverkusen, with four points from two games against Monaco helping them revive the qualifying hopes.

And with Jorge Jesus’ side winning last four matches in all competitions, bear in mind that away win pays 4.00 (3/1) with bet365.

The experienced coach will have a number of star players back after they were rested at the weekend, but Lisandro Lopez is banned.

Meanwhile, Silvio Azevedo and Eliseu Pereira are out injured, while forwards Lima and Derley return into contention.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar – Pereira, Luisao, Jardel, Almeida – Perez, Samaris – Salvio, Talisca, Gaitan – Lima.