Russian giants Zenit face a difficult task after the last-gasp defeat at Estadio da Luz, especially considering that their domestic campaign has only just resumed.

The Eagles, on the other hand, not only carry a one-goal lead into the return leg, but head into the match buoyed by the derby win over Sporting CP.

In spite of the heavy investment into the playing squad, Zenit have struggled to prove their worth in Europe and this was the first season where they impressed in the group stage.

The Russians were quite convincing during the regular season, winning first five matches before losing dead rubber against KAA Gent.

However, as that usually happens, the first knockout stage came at a bad time, during domestic break, and that was probably the reason why they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Estadio da Luz.

Zenit should look a bit sharper in the return match having played two more games since said loss, but odds of 2.10 (11/10) offered on home win do not look too tempting.

Andre Villas-Boas faces some selection problems given that both Javi Garcia and Domenico Criscito are suspended for the return leg.

Viktor Fayzulin continues to miss out through a knee injury, whereas former Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay is rated doubtful.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lodygin – Smolnikov, Neto, Lombaerts, Zhirkov – Witsel, Yusupov – Hulk, Danny, Kokorin – Dzyuba.

This season is proving to be a major success for Benfica, who have again impressed both on domestic and European stage.

The Eagles are involved in a three-way battle for the Primeira Liga trophy with FC Porto and Sporting CP, and they have just made an important step towards the league title.

Namely, Benfica recorded a 1-0 away win over the Lions, thus climbing to the first place in the standings, and no doubts such an important win will give them something to build on ahead of the trip to Russia.

The Eagles completely outclassed Zenit in the first leg and were rewarded for their efforts by a late goal from red-hot Jonas, who has also scored 26 goals in 25 league matches.

Having established an excellent partnership with Kostas Mitroglou, who scored the winner against Sporting CP, the Brazilian is likely to prove a handful for Zenit defenders as well.

With regards to selection news, Andre Almeida and Jardel are banned, whereas Luisao, Julio Cesar, Lisandro Lopez and Nuno Santos are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Ederson – Silvio, Semedo, Lindelof, Eliseu – Pizzi, Samaris, Sanches, Gaitan – Mitroglou, Jonas.