Champions League

Preview: Celtic vs. Benfica

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 18 September 2012

Celtic will be attempting to protect an unbeaten European home record tomorrow night. Here, Sports Mole previews their chances of doing so against Benfica.

Celtic will compete in the group stages of the Champions League for a seventh time when Benfica visit Parkhead tomorrow night.

The Bhoys are unbeaten at home in Europe so far this season, having overcome the Scandinavian duo of HJK Helsinki and Helsingborgs during the qualification rounds.

Boss Neil Lennon will have to make do without the services of Greek striker Georgios Samaras, who suffered an elbow injury while on international duty last week.

A hip injury is also likely to rule out captain and midfielder Scott Brown.

Visiting Benfica are expected to be without Brazilian centre-back Luisao. The 31-year-old is yet to feature for his Portuguese employers this season due to a domestic suspension.

Benfica were unbeaten away from home in their Champions League group last year.

Recent form:

Celtic: LWLWW
Benfica: WWDDW

Possible lineups:

Celtic: Forster; Lustig, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Forrest, Wanyama, Ledley, Commons; Hooper, Miku

Benfica: Moraes; Pereira, Vitor, Garay, Melgarejo; Salvio, Martins, Aimar, Nolito; Cardozo, Rodrigo

Sports Mole says: 2-2