By Brad Smith
After the heroics in the last round from Chelsea, they will look to give themselves an easier task in the second leg this time around as they travel to Benfica on Tuesday.
Both sides drew 0-0 in their warm-up game for this clash, and no doubt Chelsea would take a similar result away at the Estadio da Luz.
Chelsea will be excused for celebrating this draw, dodging the Spanish sides and the in-form Bayern Munich, although Benfica will be no pushovers, they are unbeaten at home in the Champions League this season, and have only been defeated by Porto there in the league this season.
Chelsea also have a less than impressive away record this season, losing two and drawing two in Europe, but there will be no better time to do it than on Tuesday.
The visitors also have two former Benfica players in their squad, in David Luiz and Ramires, who will both be fighting to start, Luiz could replace Cahill in the heart of the defence for this encounter.
Ivanovic is doubtful after limping off in midweek, although he could start, Bosingwa will replace him should be not be passed fit.
Fernando Torres could start up front, he was impressive against Manchester City, and the comeback coincided with his depature for Drogba. However, with the Ivorians 4 goals in 4 games record in the league, he could be preferred to start.
Pablo Aimar will not feature after his sending off on the weekend, Ezequiel Garay and Yannick Djalo are also ruled out. Rodrigo should start up front for the home side, who has bagged 8 goals for Benfica this season.
Both sides will want to keep it tight, with Benfica not wanting to give Chelsea an away goal, as the Blues will also not want a repeat of their visit to Italy in the last round.
My bets for the game are as followed:
Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 – 6 points
Draw @ 9/4 – 4 points
Prediction: Benfica 1 – 1 Chelsea