AS Monaco vs. SL Benfica, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview

After their summer selling spree that saw their two most notable stars either loaned away or so, not much was expected of AS Monaco in the Champions League. Instead they’re tied with Zenit St. Petersburg for first place in Group C and now host Benfica with a chance to further their chances of advancing to the next round.

Monaco are undefeated through two matches with a surprise victory over Bayer Leverkusen and a scoreless draw against Zenit. Benfica on the other hand are struggling in the tournament having failed to earn a single point from their first two matches. The Portuguese side is not out of the race to move on to the next round, but another match day without points -- preferably three -- could leave them in a bit of trouble.

The last time the two sides met was in 2004 when Porto defeated Monaco 3-0.

Key Player: João Moutinho (AS Monaco)

Monaco don’t score a lot of goals. So far this season they’ve only scored eight in Ligue 1 play and just one in the Champions League. Dimitar Berbatov leads the team with two goals, but with him sidelined for this match, the most likely threat for Benfica will come from Mountinho. While Falcao and James Rodriguez moved on in the summer, Moutinho remained at Monaco instantly becoming their best player. He was able to work a bit of magic against Leverkusen and Monaco made need something similar on Wednesday.

Key Matchup: Benfica’s attack vs. Monaco’s defense

Monaco’s defense has been pretty good so far this season, but thanks to their anemic offense, they’ve been finding themselves regularly on the wrong side of a lot of 1-0 scoreline. Benfica have been scoring goals with a reckless abandon in league play, but can’t buy a goal in the Champions League. That combination doesn’t bode well for Benfica as Monaco will look to play a defensive match and exploit any gaps that open up.

AS Monaco injuries and suspensions

Out: Dimitar Berbatov (ankle), Borja López (ankle). In Doubt: Aymen Abdennour (thigh), Anthony Martial (unspecified)

Monaco’s leading scorer Dimitar Berbatov is out Wednesday with an ankle injury, leaving Lacina Traore or Ocampos as the likely choice to start at the top of their 4-2-3-1. For Benfica, César, jardel and Silvio all started in the team’s last Champions League match, but will be unavailable against Monaco.

Venue: Stade Louis II., Fontvieille, Monaco