Preview: Benfica v Zenit

• Benfica boss Jorge Jesus says Group C is too close to call
• André Villas-Boas admits that a draw would be good for his Zenit side
• Zenit are on a ten-match winning run, keeping seven clean sheets in that time
• Viktor Fayzulin is banned for Zenit; injury deprives Benfica of Sílvio and Júlio César
• Axel Witsel, Javi García and Ezequiel Garay all return to their former club

Possible lineups
Benfica: Artur; Maxi Pereira, Luisão, Jardel, Eliseu; Samaris, Pérez, Gaitán, Salvio, Talisca; Lima.
• Out: Sílvio (leg), Júlio César (thigh)

Zenit: Lodygin; Smolnikov, Garay, Lombaerts, Criscito; Witsel, Javi García; Danny, Shatov; Rondón, Kerzhakov.
• Out: Viktor Fayzulin (suspended)

Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach
Axel Witsel and Javi García are in a better position than me – they know how exactly to stop us as they worked with me at Benfica two seasons ago. Zenit have three players [along with Ezequiel Garay] who fully understand Benfica's game plan.

We are optimistic and full of confidence. We have to understand that the other three teams are strong. It's a strong, well-balanced group. Any of the four teams can qualify or go to the UEFA Europa League. Zenit have started the season strongly, but likewise Leverkusen and Benfica. Monaco haven't done so well but they have lots of quality.

It would be great for Benfica to start this Champions League season with a win. If we do our job at home we'll be more confident and closer to going through. I have lost and I have won [against André Villas-Boas] and I am proud to be one of six Portuguese coaches in the Champions League.

André Villas-Boas, Zenit coach
It's a privilege to return to Portugal and it's a return for a few players who know this stadium very well. Playing here has special meaning for me. I have great memories of this stadium [winning the Liga and a Portuguese Cup semi-final with Porto], but I don't want to make it personal. The fact some of us are coming home or returning to former employers cannot be used as an excuse to relax; instead it has to work as extra motivation.

We are here to win. It's a tough group and picking up points on your travels could be very important. A draw would be a good result, but I am not saying that I will field a team to play for a draw.

I admire the speed with which Jorge Jesus builds new and quality teams. The way he earmarked new players such as Eliseu, Samaris and Talisca is very good. I don't see Benfica as a weaker side than last season. We have to respect Benfica's recent success in Europe, but try for three points.

Weekend results
Vitória FC 0-5 Benfica (Salvio 10, Talisca 38 43 55, John 76)
Zenit 3-2 FC Dinamo Moskva (Douglas og 28, Arshavin 40, Smolnikov 89; Valbuena 18, Samba 82)

Form guide (all competitions)
Benfica: WDWWD
Zenit: WWWWWW

Match facts
• How did Villas-Boas fare against Benfica while coach of A. Académica de Coimbra and FC Porto? Find out in our extensive match background.