We’re nearly under way in the early Champions League fixture, where Russia’s Zenit St. Petersburg will take on Group C winners Benfica. The Portuguese side would be a handful for anyone, but Zenit are in a particularly difficult position with a host of injuries wiping out key players. Danny is out until October, and left back Domenico Criscito is also gone. At least Roman Shirokov is fit to play. Benfica, meanwhile, are at more or less full strength, and they’ll be looking to kill this tie off before the return leg in Portugal.
Zenit St. Petersburg Vs. Benfica, 2012 Champions League Round Of 16: Lineups
Zenit St. Petersburg starting lineup (4-3-3): Yuri Zhevnov; Tomas Hubocan, Bruno Alves, Nicolas Lombaerts, Aleksandr Anyukov; Igor Denisov, Roman Shirokov, Konstantin Zyryanov; Viktor Fayzulin, Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Maksim Kanunnikov.
Substitutes from: Dmitri Borodin, Aleksandar Lukovic, Igor Cheminava, Alessandro Rosina, Szabolcs Huszti, Sergei Semak, Vladimir Bystrov.
Benfica starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Artur, Emerson, Luisao, Ezequiel Garay, Maxi Pereira; Nemanja Matic, Axel Witsel; Nicolas Gaitan, Bruno Cesar, Rodrigo; Oscar Cardozo.
Substitutes from: Eduardo, Miguel Vitor, Jardel, Nolito, Pablo Aimar, Nelson Oliveira, Javier Saviola .
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