Footy Speak

For those who fancy a flutter, tonight’s value rests in Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz where in-form Benfica take on depleted Everton.

Lining up against players such as Paraguay’s Oscar Cardozo, the Argentine trio of Javier Saviola, Angel Di Maria and Pablo Aimar, and the Brazilian international Ramires will be an Everton team deprived of 10 players by injury and ineligibility, after head and foot injuries ruled out Joseph Yobo and Leon Osman, respectively.

With John Heitinga and Lucas Neill not registered, and Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville six weeks away from fitness, Everton have a threadbare look.

Conversely, Benfica are flying and currently possess the second-most potent attack in European football at present. They have scored 36 goals in nine domestic games, second only to Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb this season.

Probable teams

Benfica (4-1-4-1): Julio Cesar; Pereira, Luisao, David Luiz, Peixoto; Javi Garcia; Ramires, Di Maria; Aimar; Saviola, Cardozo.

Everton (4-4-2): Howard; Gosling, Hibbert, Distin, Baines; Cahill, Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov; Saha, Jo.

Tap-in: Back Benfica to win – 5/6

Long-shot: Back Luisao to score anytime – 13/1