Chelsea and Benfica both damaged their domestic ambitions over the weekend. The Blues failed to beat Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge and now look like significant underdogs for a top four place in the Premier League. Benfica drew 0-0 with Olhanense and missed a golden opportunity to jump above FC Porto and recapture first place in Portugal.
This competition has been a different story, however. In the UEFA Champions League, both Benfica and Chelsea pulled off impressive comebacks in the second legs of their Round of 16 ties to advance to this stage. Both teams are likely to play an entertaining, attack-minded 4-2-3-1 formation, and they present plenty of matchup problems for each other.
Benfica's only major absence is central defender Ezequiel Garay. He'll be replaced by Jardel in the center. While Jardel is a quality player, there is a significant drop-off between him and Garay. Until Garay's injury issues sprang up, him and Luisao formed one of the best defense partnerships in Europe. Bruno Cesar and Pablo Aimar have recently returned from injury and both will be available for selection. Yannick Djalo, a striker who could have been a decent bench option, is also out.
Branislav Ivanovic has not yet been ruled in or out for the Blues. He has a groin injury and if he is unable to start, Jose Bosingwa will play right back. Roberto Di Matteo's other decisions are more about tactics than fitness, and he has a variety of options in midfield and defense. The decision to start Gary Cahill or David Luiz is a toss-up, and Raul Meireles could return to the lineup to account for the athleticism of Axel Witsel and his tendency to make late runs into the box from his deep midfield position. Drogba has not performed consistently for Chelsea since they won the Double. We have seen flashes but he needs resting to get the best out of him.
For that reason, Torres must start tomorrow. The Spaniard needs to be a bit more selfish, though, and play more centrally and further forward so he's in goalscoring positions. He needs Juan Mata to feed him like Steven Gerrard did at Liverpool
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, March 27, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio da Luz, Lisbom, Portugal
TV: FOX Soccer Channel (USA), Sportsnet Regional (Canada), Sky Sports 1 (UK)
The next month is make-or-break for Chelsea. If they progress in the Champions League they will have to play nine matches in 31 days.
These games will include two legs of the semi-final against Barcelona or AC Milan and an FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham or Bolton at Wembley.
At the same time Chelsea will be fighting to secure a top four place in the Barclays Premier League and face a crucial fixture away at third-placed Arsenal.
March 27: BENFICA - Champions League (away)
March 31: ASTON VILLA - Premier League (away)
April 4: BENFICA - Champions League (home)
April 7: WIGAN - Premier League (home)
April 9: FULHAM - Premier League (away)
April 15: TOTTENHAM or BOLTON - FA Cup (Wembley)
April 18: AC MILAN or BARCELONA Champions League (home)
April 21: ARSENAL Premier League (away)
April 25: AC MILAN or BARCELONA Champions League (away)
you Can Watch Uefa Champion League Watch Live Stream Free with live scores and goal video Highlights
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