Spartak Moscow face Benfica at Otkritie Arena on Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
Spartak Moscow entered the match after a 1-0 win over Igor Osinkin’s Krylia Sovetov on Friday in the Russian Premier League. A second half penalty from striker Aleksandr Sobolev secured victory for Rui Vitoria’s Spartak Moscow.
Benfica, on the other hand, drew 1-1 with Marseille in a friendly a few days ago. A goal from midfielder Pizzi for Benfica was canceled by a goal from experienced French international Dimitri Payet for Marseille.
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Head to Head
In two confrontations between the two teams, Spartak Moscow won a match and lost one.
The two clubs last met in the 2012/13 season, with Benfica defeating Spartak Moscow 2-0 in the Champions League group stage. A brace in the second half from Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo secured the victory for Benfica.
Benfica Form Guide: still play
Spartak Moscow form guide in the Russian Premier League: WL
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica team news
Spartak Moscow
Spartak Moscow will be without young defender Pavel Maslov and goalkeeper Aleksandr Selikhov, as there are doubts about the availability of Dutch international Quincy Promes. Other than that, there are no known issues and manager Rui Vitoria should have a fit squad at his disposal.
Injured: Pavel Maslov, Alexander Selikhov
Doubtful: Quincy Promes
Suspended: Nothing
Benfica
Meanwhile, Benfica manager Jorge Jesus will be unable to call on the services of young Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez and back Andre Almeida, both injured.
Injured: Darwin Nunez, André Almeida
Doubtful: Nothing
Suspended: Nothing
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Predicts XI
Spartak Moscow Predicts XI (4-2-3-1): Aleksandr Maksimenko, Nikolai Rasskazov, Samuel Gigot, Georgi Dzhikiya, Ayrton, Jorrit Hendrix, Nail Umyarov, Jordan Larsson, Mikhail Ignatov, Victor Moses, Aleksandr Sobolev
Benfica Predicts XI (4-3-3): Odysseas Vlachodimos, Gilberto, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Julian Weigl, Joao Mario, Adel Taarabt, Rafa Silva, Haris Seferovic, Pizzi
Prediction Spartak Moscow vs Benfica
The Russian Premier League has started, so Spartak Moscow can boast of better physical shape. They have signed Nigerian winger Victor Moses for a permanent contract with Chelsea, while Alex Kral and Jordan Larsson have done well at the club and have been linked with departures.
Benfica, on the other hand, has been busy in the transfer market. French midfielder Soualiho Meite, Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk and midfielder Joao Mario have all been signed. Yaremchuk’s arrival sees Benfica bursting with striking options, and it’s no surprise to see Darwin Nunez linked with Brighton & Hove Albion recently.
Benfica should be able to beat Spartak Moscow.
Prediction: Spartak Moscow 0-2 Benfica
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