UEFA Champions League 2011/12: Benfica v Chelsea, Where to Watch, Match Preview and Statistics [POLL]
Chelsea travel to Lisbon, Portugal, to face SL Benfica, in Champions League quarter-final (first leg) tie, on 27 March. The two teams are both in excellent form, at least on the continent, and will be looking to establish an early lead over the other.
The match will be available live on vslive.tv in the UK and FOXSoccer.tv in the US. You can also stream the game live at firstrowsports.tv.
Chelsea have been, by and large, superb over their last few games; the sacking of boss Andre Villas-Boas and threats of senior players being phased out seems to have hit the mark. Interin manager Roberto Di Matteo presided over four wins in his first four games in charge, including a hugely memorable and epic 4-1 win over Napoli, at home, to earn the right to play the Champions League quarter-final. However, the Blues have looked a little wobbly in their last two games - a defeat to league leaders Manchester City was followed by an unconvincing goalless draw, at home, to Spurs. Chelsea will be banking on the reserve morale from their win over Napoli a few weeks back to get them back to winning ways. Di Matteo has a full strength squad, with the exception of defender Branislav Ivanvoic, to chose from.
Meanwhile, Benfica, who are second (on goal difference) in the Portuguese domestic league, have had a good season across the board. They too have earned the right to play in the Champions League this season, after losing the first leg of their earlier tie against Zenit St Petersburg before turning it around at home.
Chelsea probable team: Cech; Luiz, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Meireles, Mikel; Ramires, Lampard; Torres, Drogba
Benfica probable team: Artur; Jardel, Luisao, Garcia, Emerson; Pereira; Witsel, Gaitan; Cesar; Rodrigo, Cardozo
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