Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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07.12. (Wed) 20:45 Benfica - Otelul

Axel Witsel (Benfica)
Getty


 PROBABLE LINEUPS

BENFICA
 

Benfica


Artur
Amorim, Jardel, Garay, Emerson
Javi Garcia, Witsel
Gaitan, Matic, Nolito
Cardozo
OTELUL GALATIOtelul Galati
Branet
Rapa, Perendija, Costin, Salageanu
Filip, Iorga, Giurgiu, Viglianti, Neagu
Pena

Already sure of their place in the last 16, Benfica will now aim to ensure they finish top of Group C by beating pointless Otelul Galati at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday night.

Jesus Jorge could name a makeshift defence with Luisao missing through injury, whilst Maxi Pereira incurred a suspension from matchday five. Amorim deputised for the Uruguayan full-back and is expected to fill in for the visit of Otelul.

Pablo Aimar may be rested, with the Argentine one yellow card away from missing Benfica's next match, as are Artur and Ezequiel Garay, but both are still expected to feature.

In their maiden Champions League campaign, Otelul are yet to pick up a single point in Group C heading into their final match in Portugal.

Coach Dorinel Munteanu, welcomes back Ionut Neagu after the Romanian served a suspension in Galati's last domestic match, with the midfielder vying for a starting spot. Sergio Costin is also available are serving a ban for their 3-2 loss against Basel last time out.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Benfica's superior head-to-head record against Manchester United means a victory will guarantee them top spot, while a draw would be enough if the group's other fixture between Basel and United finishes level. 
  • Jorge Jesus' side have managed to score in all 23 of their competitive games this season.
  • Nicolas Gaitan has four assists in the Champions League; the highest total in the competition.
  • Otelul Galati were beaten 1-0 by Benfica in Bucharest in the reverse fixture and have one final opportunity to claim their first points after five straight defeats in their debut Champions League campaign.
  • Prior to this season Otelul had made only one previous visit to a European Cup-winning side, against Juventus in the 1988-89 UEFA Cup.
  • On November 28, coach Dorinel Munteanu and captain Sergiu Costin were made honorary citizens of Galati.
Prediction
Benfica will want to claim top spot in the section, and victory over a side who have looked out of their depth in this season's competition should pose no particular problem for Jorge Jesus' outfit.
Editor's Prediction
Benfica 2-0 Otelul Galati