Benfica is going to need a miracle to advance in the UEFA Champions League. Not only did they lose 1-0 at home to Chelsea last week, but they are missing all four of their top four central defenders. Left back Emerson and defensive midfielder Javi Garcia are their central defense pairing for the evening. Chelsea are surprisingly starting David Luiz just a few days after he sustained a minor ankle injury.
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Ashley Cole, John Terry, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic; John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard; Salomon Kalou, Juan Mata, Ramires; Fernando Torres.
Substitutes from: Ross Turnbull, Gary Cahill, Paulo Ferreira, Michael Essien, Raul Meireles, Didier Drogba, Daniel Sturridge.
Benfica starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Artur, Joan Capdevila, Emerson, Javi Garvia, Maxi Pereira; Nemanja Matic, Axel Witsel; Bruno Cesar, Pablo Aimar, Nicolas Gaitan; Oscar Cardozo.
Substitutes from: Eduardo, Andre Almeida, Nolito, Yannick Djalo, Nelson Oliveira, Rodrigo, Javier Saviola.
Kickoff is at 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local time from Stamford Bridge. You can catch the game on FOX Soccer Channel in the USA, Sportsnet World in Canada and ITV 1 in the UK.
We'll have live coverage of the game in our UEFA Champions League Wednesday StoryStream. For more on the Blues, head over to Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History.
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