Preview: Attack, attack, attack in do-or-die affair
Benfica opened up their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Anderlecht at the Estádio da Luz. Since then, they have lost to Olympiakos and PSG away from home, while they also drew with the Greek outfit in a very rainy affair in Lisbon.
That now leaves them third in the group, needing to win both their remaining matches, while also needing for Olympiakos to not win either of their remaining two match. If they fail to do that, a relegation to the Europa League could be probable, but they will need to get past Anderlecht first.
The Belgian side comes into the match in last place, with only one point. They have only managed to score one goal, while they've conceded 10, in just four matches.
Their only point came away to PSG, as they actually led in the match, but the French side was able to pull even. In their home matches, they have been outscored 8-0, by PSG and Olympiakos. In their final home match of the group on Wednesday, they will need to perform much better, if they want to keep their chances of playing in the Europa League alive.
Earning three points on Wednesday is really all that matters for both sides. A defeat for Anderlecht would eliminate them from European Football completely, while a loss for Benfica would make things difficult for them to progress, depending on how Olympiakos does in their match.
From their past four encounters in Belgium against Anderlecht, the Portuguese outfit has three defeats and one draw. Their latest match ended in a 3-0 victory for the hosts.
Anderlecht will come into this match having lost their latest domestic match. A 2-1 defeat against Charleroi will not give Van den Brom's side much confidence, especially since they have only scored one goal in the UCL this season.
Benfica earned themselves a hard fought 1-0 victory over Braga, which could be argued that they did not deserve it. They did not play their greatest brand of football, but at the end of the day, what counts most is the final result.
With a victory needed on both sides of the pitch, this match should be very open, with a lot of chances on goal. It should come down to Anderlecht's ability to create some offense, and find the back of the net. For Benfica, it will be a matter of taking their opportunities, as they were unable to in Greece against Olympiakos.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Anderlecht vs Benfica live on Wednesday, November 27, 2013:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on: Sportsnet World Online
In the UK at 19:45 BST on: Sky Sports Red Button, Sky Sports Events Centre
In the USA at 14:45 ET on: Fox Soccer 2Go
If you are outside of these viewing areas, and you want to watch this UEFA Champions League fixture, be sure to visit the Anderlecht vs Benfica match page for full TV listings.
