We should be in for an exciting match in Lisbon, with Benfica hosting Zenit St Petersburg in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie. While this is a lower-profile matchup in the round, one look at the lineups shows you just how potent this match could be.
Benfica vs. Zenit: Confirmed Champions League lineups
Hulk and Nicolas Gaitan are set to square off in what should be a fun match.
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Nicolas Gaitan is deservedly the most scintillating Benfica player, coming into his skillset in a big way this season with playmaking skills to spare and the ability to score some stunning goals. His successes have allowed Kostas Mitroglou and Jonas to shine. Those two scored over 30 goals combined in Primeira Liga play. And Benfica back that potent attack up with a stout and smart defense.
Zenit like to run with a bit more power to their game, with a heavyweight midfield led by Javi Garcia and Axel Witsel looking to control the game. They can thrill as well, though, as their front line is loaded with talent. Danny is still a tricky player with plenty of potential to drop jaws despite his advancing years, Artem Dzyuba is a potent and dynamic striker up front, and Hulk is always capable of scoring absolutely incredible goals.
Hang on, folks. This is going to be a wild game.
Benfica starting XI (4-4-2): Júlio César; Lindelöf, Jardel, André Almeida, Eliseu; Pizzi, Samaris, Renato Sanches, Nicolas Gaitán; Kostas Mitroglou, Jonas
Zenit St Petersburg starting XI (4-3-3): Yuri Lodygin; Aleksandr Anyukov, Nicolas Lombaerts, Ezequiel Garay, Domenico Criscito; Oleg Shatov, Javi García, Axel Witsel; Danny, Dzyuba, Hulk
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