Benfica start their Champions League campaign with a tough away fixture at Crvena Zvezda.
This game features two of the most historically successful teams in the European Cup, as Crvena Zvezda won the tournament in 1991, while Benfica won it back-to-back in 1961 and 1962.
Match Preview
Crvena Zvezda Recent Form
Crvena Zvezda had to play through the Champions League playoff stage to reach the league phase and successfully overcame Bodo/Glimt over two legs despite a first-leg defeat.
Domestically, they have made a dominant start to the new campaign in Serbia, winning six out of their opening seven games. In that time they have scored 21 goals and conceded just four.
Crvena Zvezda Injury News
The club received a huge boost at the weekend as first-choice goalkeeper Omri Glazer made his first appearance of the season after being out for a while with an abductor injury.
There are no new major injury concerns for head coach Vladan Milojevic, though Vladimir Lucic remains out.
Last Crvena Zvezda Lineup
Here's how Crvena Zvezda lined up against Napredak.
(4-2-3-1):Glazer; Mimovic, Lekovic, Drkusic, Young-Woo; Krunic, Elsnik; Mvumpa, Ivanic, Olayinka; Duarte
Benfica Recent Form
Benfica will have to be at their best this season to take down the might of Sporting CP, but they are already behind the pace down in fifth after three wins, a draw and a loss from their opening five matches.
They lost the opening match of the campaign to Famalicao then went four unbeaten, winning 4-1 versus Santa Clara at the weekend.
Benfica Injury News
Definitely missing for Benfica are Renato Sanches, Fredrik Aursnes and Tiago Gouveia.
Jan-Niklas Beste returned to the squad for the victory over Santa Clara following a muscle problem so he is in contention to feature here.
Last Benfica Lineup
Here's how Benfica lined up against Santa Clara.
Crvena Zvezda - Player To Watch
Bruno Duarte has scored six goals in nine games so far this season and remains his side's biggest attacking threat.
Benfica - Player To Watch
Angel Di Maria may have retired from international football with Argentina at the age of 36, but he remains an important player for Benfica. He opened his goalscoring account for the season at the weekend with a strike versus Santa Clara.
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica - Prediction
Crvena Zvezda have never lost against a Portuguese side at home in this competition, but home advantage has evaded them more often than not in recent years as last season they lost two and drew one in the group stage. Benfica should have enough to claim an away victory.
In their last 21 home games in Europe, they have lost just four, but two of those defeats came last season so perhaps it's not as tough a place to go as it once was.
Scoreline prediction - Crvena Zvezda 1-2 Benfica
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica - Betting Tips
Benfica to Win and Both Teams to Score
- Crvena Zvezda have scored in every game they have played in this season (nine)
- Benfica have scored nine goals in their last four games including four at the weekend
