Benfica play host to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as the Portuguese league leaders aim to overcome a first-leg deficit and advance to the semi-finals.Last week, Bayern were 1-0 victors at home, a solitary goal from Arturo Vidal in the opening moments being enough to put them on the front foot for the second leg.In spite of the first-leg victory, Pep Guardiola took care to rotate his squad over the weekend and give some of his star players a bit of extra rest."We'll travel to Lisbon with respect," CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained, according to his club's official website. "It's going to be a tough match, but the result in the first leg wasn't so bad."Benfica coach Rui Vitoria didn't have the luxury of being able to rotate his stars over the weekend, with Sporting hot on his side's heels. The Eagles beat Academica Coimbra on Saturday, but the win proved to be costly as captain and star attacker Nico Gaitan sustained a muscular injury that has left his availability for Wednesday's match in question.With Jonas suspended and the possibility of Gaitan being out, Benfica's attack will be decimated, and the hosts still need a goal to draw level on aggregate. It promises to be a huge task for the Portuguese side.Still, Benfica midfielder Pizzi spoke confidently of his side when UEFA.cominterviewed himover the weekend. The 26-year-old underlined the importance of having the home crowd behind him: "There is a fantastic atmosphere at the Estadio da Luz," he said. "Our fans show all their passion, and obviously everyone at Benfica expects another great European night."Date:Wednesday, April 14Time:7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET/8:45 p.m. local timeVenue:Estadio da Luz, LisbonTV Info:Not available (U.S. only), BTSport 2 (UK only)Live Stream:Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S. only),BT Sport Player (UK only)Form GuideBenficaBayern MunichCoimbra: WinStuttgart: WinBayern: LossBenfica: WinBraga: WinEintracht Frankfurt: WinBoavista: WinCologne: WinTondela: WinJuventus: WinTeam NewsBayern MunichDefenders Medhi Benatia, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, as well as winger Arjen Robben, are set to miss out on Wednesday's action due to injuries. With his side ahead on aggregate and four fit players in his squad one booking away from suspension, Guardiola may rotate.PossibleBayernstarting XI:Neuer; Lahm, Martinez, Alaba, Bernat; Alonso, Vidal; Costa, Muller, Ribery; Lewandowski.BenficaThe hosts' chances of progressing took a big hit with news of Gaitan's injury.His fellow attacker, Jonas, already was set to miss out due to suspension for accumulated yellow cards. As well, Julio Cesar and long-term absentee Luisao are still sidelined with injuries.Possible Benficastarting XI:Moraes; Almeida, Jardel, Nilsson, Eliseu; Sanches, Samaris; Pizzi, Salvio; Jimenez, Mitroglou.Players to WatchShould they be without their usual suspects in attack, Benfica will need to find another hero. Kostas Mitroglou has scored some big goals in his career, but it will be especially interesting to see Toto Salvio's influence on the action. The attacker has plenty of talent, but a knee injury has blighted his season.Franck Ribery has been brilliant for Bayern as of late and will be keen to make his mark in the Champions League. Also for the visitors, Arturo Vidal is one to watch given his repeated masterclasses in the biggest games.Key BattlesKostas Mitroglou vs. David AlabaMitroglou struggled in the first leg, but he might be Benfica's best chance of troubling Bayern on Wednesday. The Greek striker has great physical strength and good touch on the ball. From set pieces, he'll be especially dangerous.Alaba may not be a natural center back, but he's been phenomenal in that role when called upon. The Austria international had a brilliant game over the weekend, not only defending well, but bursting into the attack to score.Franck Ribery vs. Andre AlmeidaAfter a long period in which it was uncertain as to whether he'd ever reach his previous heights, Ribery has shown signs of the superstar he was for Bayern for so many years. Even at 33, the veteran is a formidable force on the wing.Almeida started at right-back in the first leg and fared well against Riberybut will have it all to do in the second leg. The Portugal international has developed well over the last couple seasons and has proved reliable both in defense and in delivering crosses.Odds(courtesy ofOdds Shark)Bayern:5-6Draw:11-4Benfica: 3-1@Mr_Bundesliga
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