Benfica and Olympiacos will both be looking for their second win in Group C when they come face to face in Lisbon on matchday three. Both on three points after their first two games, they will be hoping to make up ground on Group C leaders Paris Saint-Germain when they meet. After two defeats, Anderlecht are badly in need of points as they take on Paris Saint-Germain on matchday three in the teams’ first meeting for 21 years.
What to expect from the Matches
Benfica followed their 2-0 home victory over RSC Anderlecht by losing 3-0 away to Paris Saint-Germain FC while the Greek champions went down 4-1 at home to PSG but bounced back in Belgium, winning 3-0. The clubs met in Piraeus in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup group stage when Olympiacos won 5-1. Their five games to date have produced three wins for Benfica and two for Olympiacos. The Greek side have still to score in the Portuguese capital. Including those five matches, Olympiacos have played 11 matches against Portuguese opposition. Their away record is W0 D1 L4. Benfica have also played 11 games against Greek sides overall, winning four and losing one at home.
The Belgian champions have lost both opening Group C games, 2-0 at SL Benfica and 3-0 at home to Olympiacos FC while PSG got off to a flying start, winning 4-1 in Piraeus and 3-0 at home to Benfica. In 16 games against French opponents Anderlecht’s overall record is W6 D7 L3 while PSG’s overall results against Belgian sides are W2 D3 L1.
Player to watch out for
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG): The Swedish striker is a class apart from the rest and showed it once again with an outrageous flick of his boot that sent the ball in the back of the net this weekend. One can fully expect more such moments of brilliance from him.
Matías Suárez (Anderlecht): Suarez has scored six league goals this term, already more than his injury-hit 2012/13 haul of three. He will be a player to look out for.
Nemanja Matic (Benfica): Matic is one of the most promising players in the Benfica squad, and a host of European giants are monitoring his progress. It will be a great opportunity for the Serbian to impress the on-lookers and earn his deserved move to one of Europe’s big clubs.
Predicted Score lines & Starting line ups
PSG 3-0 Anderlecht
PSG should be able to continue their form against Anderlecht who have yet to score a goal in the UCL this year.
Benfica 2-1 Olympiacos
Olympiacos and Benfica face each other having both won one and lost one. Benfica gets a slight edge in this since they are the home team.