Benfica hosts Spartak Moscow in a match they must win if they have any hopes of getting out of Group G. While Spartak are in slightly better shape, failing to get any points from this match could hurt them as well, so in theory with both teams having something to play for, this could be a good match.
Benfica vs. Spartak Moscow, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV schedule
Benfica faces a must-win match at home against a Spartak side missing their best two attacking options
Jasper Juinen
Benfica will have to make some changes with several injuries and suspensions limiting Jorge Jesus' options. The biggest blows are in the midfield where Carlos Martins and Nemanja Matic will both be out.
Spartak Moscow had a fairly easy win on the weekend against Krylya Sovetov but should expect a much tougher challenge against Benfica. Spartak is missing plenty of key players including Aiden McGeady and Emmanuel Emenike. Juan Insaurralde and Artem Dzyuba are both back and available for selection.
Benfica injuries and suspensions
Out: Luisao (suspended), Pablo Aimar (thigh), Nolito (hip), Nemanja Matic (suspended), Carlos Martins (thigh). In doubt: Lorenzo Melgarejo (muscle).
Spartak Moscow injuries and suspensions
Out: Aiden McGeady (foot), Romulo (knee), Sergei Parshivlyuk (knee), Soslan Gatagov (knee), Emmanuel Emenike (back), Welliton (undisclosed) In Doubt: Player 2 (calf).
Benfica will be without Martins who injured his thigh this weekend, Malgarejo has been listed out by some sources and doubtful by others, so it’s up in the air. Spartak have a ton of problems, the biggest being Emmanuel Emenike and Welliton, two of the team’s best attacking options.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
TV: DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sportsnet (Canada)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), Sky Sports Interactive (U.K.)
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