Benfica – Zenit. Mark O’Haire’s prediction

Zenit St Petersburg head to Lisbon for their first competitive fixture since the Champions League group-stage concluded in December but Andre Villas-Boas’ boys should still be capable of grabbing a goal.

The Russians finished top of the tree in Group H, winning their first five matches before taking their foot off the pedal in their final fixture with Gent. AVB’s lively forward line that features the likes of Hulk and Artem Dzyuba did particular damage and should be able to inflict more on a Benfica side still hurting from last weekend’s disappointing defeat to domestic title rivals Porto.

The Eagles have more or less failed their biggest tests this term under Rui Vitoria and the 2-1 home reverse to Porto saw the Portuguese side surrender their place at top of the table. With Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon also enjoying victories at the Estadio da Luz this term, Zenit will fancy their chances.

Benfica will also be without the experience of Brazilian centre back and club captain Luisao but the visitors’ lack of competitive match action is enough to steer me away from backing the Sky Blues here.

Instead, the 2.05 on Both Teams To Score looks much more enticing. The hosts failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five Champions League games with their sole shutout this season coming against Astana in Lisbon.

Rui Vitoria’s side saw Both Teams To Score prove a profitable formula in five of those group-stage games as well as five of their last six domestic duels. The Eagles notched at least twice in four of their pool fixtures but also shipped as many in three of their final four.

Meanwhile. Zenit have failed to keep their sheets clean in nine of their last 11 away days in Russian Premier League and Champions League action but did see the BTTS bet bank in four of their six group games.