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Spartak Moscow are set to play Benfica at the Otkritie Arena on Wednesday in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Spartak Moscow come into this game on the back of 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 ensured victory for Rui Vitoria's Spartak Moscow.
Benfica, on the other hand, drew 1-1 against Marseille in a friendly game a few days ago. A goal from midfielder Pizzi for Benfica was cancelled out by a goal from experienced France international Dimitri Payet for Marseille.
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Head-to-Head
In two head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Spartak Moscow have won one game and lost one.
The two clubs last faced each other way back during the 2012/13 season, with Benfica beating Spartak Moscow 2-0 in the group stage of the Champions League. A second-half brace from Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo secured the win for Benfica.
Benfica form guide: yet to play
Spartak Moscow form guide in the Russian Premier League: W-L
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Team News
Spartak Moscow
Spartak Moscow will be without young defender Pavel Maslov and goalkeeper Aleksandr Selikhov, while there are doubts over the availability of Netherlands international Quincy Promes. Other than that there are no known issues and manager Rui Vitoria is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Injured: Pavel Maslov, Aleksandr Selikhov
Doubtful: Quincy Promes
Suspended: None
Benfica
Meanwhile, Benfica manager Jorge Jesus will be unable to call upon the services of young Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez and full-back Andre Almeida, who are both injured.
Injured: Darwin Nunez, Andre Almeida
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Predicted XI
Spartak Moscow Predicted 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 Predicted XI (4-3-3): Odysseas Vlachodimos, Gilberto, Nicolas Otamendi, Jan Vertonghen, Alex Grimaldo, Julian Weigl, Joao Mario, Adel Taarabt, Rafa Silva, Haris Seferovic, Pizzi
Spartak Moscow vs Benfica Prediction
The Russian Premier League has begun, so Spartak Moscow can boast better match fitness. They have signed Nigerian winger Victor Moses on a permanent deal from Chelsea, while the likes of Alex Kral and Jordan Larsson have done well at the club and have been linked with moves away.
Benfica, on the other hand, have been busy in the transfer market. French midfielder Soualiho Meite, Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk and midfielder Joao Mario have all been signed. The arrival of Yaremchuk sees Benfica overflow with striking options, and it is not surprising to see Darwin Nunez linked with Brighton & Hove Albion recently.
Benfica should be able to beat Spartak Moscow.
Prediction: Spartak Moscow 0-2 Benfica
