Finishing behind Cyprian minnows APOEL must have been a slight shock, but Zenit managed to finish ahead of Porto in the Group Stages to secure Round of 16 qualification. Benfica managed to top group C without being beaten.

Zenit may struggle

Their most recent competitive fixture, as the Russian league is currently inactive, was in early December versus FC Porto. Star-man Danny tore his cruciate knee ligament in training last week and will be out of action for eight months. Zenit base a lot of their attacking play around the Portuguese player. If you’re a betting man, you’d be have to think Zenit are unlikely to score. Although, Zenit are undefeated in their last 5 matches in Champions League.

Benfica have been brilliant

Benfica, however, are unbeaten in Liga Sagres and they are undefeated in their last 10 matches in Champions League. It seems distinctly possible that Benfica could stick with their most used Champions League XI; Gaitan and Cesar providing the creative threat from the wings and Pablo Aimar slotting in behind Oscar Cardozo.

Prediction

As the match conditions will certainly suit the Russian side – forecast calling for highs of -11 Celsius - Benfica may have to be content with a draw, at best.

You can get tickets to the Round of 16 matches here