Chelsea gained the upper hand of the tie as they recorded a 1-0 victory at La Luz, but the Blues cannot afford to underestimate Benfica in the return leg.

The Eagles largely outplayed their more illustrious opponents in Portugal and were very unlucky to end up losing the game, but they are certainly not without chances at Stamford Bridge.

Eight games into Roberto Di Matteo’s reign and we can already start talking about the amazing turnaround in fortunes for the Blues as Chelsea now look as a completely different side to that which largely struggled under Andre Villas-Boas.

The Blues not only qualified for the FA Cup semis and returned in contention for a top 4 place in the Premiership, but they came on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals, which has got to be considered a major feat.

Chelsea were far from impressive in the first leg at La Luz, but their matured performance helped them create a one-goal advantage before the return leg, making them hot favourites to go through.

After the Blues kept the rich vein of form by beating Aston Villa away, they are now 1.67 (2/3) with Ladbrokes to record another victory over Benfica.

Branislav Ivanovic returned into action at the weekend to score a brace against Aston Villa, but he is now doubtful with a hamstring injury. David Luiz and Dider Drogba are also injury doubts.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech – Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole – Meireles, Mikel – Ramires, Mata, Sturridge – Torres.

Benfica have been showing a lot of potential this season, but their inexperience at the biggest stage could cost them dearly in the end.

After doing really well to reach Champions League quarter-finals, the Eagles completely outplayed Chelsea at their La Luz, but ended up losing the game after missing a host of clear-cut chances.

League victory over title rivals Braga was certainly a welcoming boost before the return leg at Stamford Bridge, and if Jorge Jesus’ side can repeat the performance from the first leg, they will have something to hope for in London.

This may be a long shot, but you should know that bet365 pays 6.00 (5/1) on Benfica to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.

Pablo Aimar returns from domestic suspension, but Ezequiel Garay, Miguel Vitor and Jardel are all sidelined through injury.

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