With the exception of André Almeida (suspended) and Filip Krovinović (ineligible), Rui Vitória has had the luxury of a full-strength squad to pick from for the visit of Manchester United.

Lisandro López is back in favour after a lengthy absence, but Jardel and Rafa Silva have been left out by choice. Bruno Varela has been dropped, and is replaced by the fit-again Júlio César. Eliseu has recovered from a thigh strain, while Jonas has overcome his back complaint.

Andreas Samaris is also included, as his suspension only applies to domestic matches. Andrija Živković and Eduardo Salvio return to the fold, with Branimir Kalaica and Martin Chrien making way.

Wednesday's match at the Estádio da Luz begins at 19:45 local time, and will be officiated by German referee Felix Zwayer.

Goalkeepers: Svilar and Júlio César

Defenders: Lisandro, Grimaldo, Luisão, Douglas, Eliseu and Rúben Dias

Midfielders: Fejsa, Filipe Augusto, Samaris, Živković, Salvio, Pizzi, Cervi, Diogo Gonçalves and João Carvalho

Forwards: Raúl, Jonas, Gabriel Barbosa and Seferović

The race to qualify for Russia 2018 reached a climax this week as the majority of nations played their final group games. As usual, there was a host of Benfica stars in action around the globe. We take a look at how each of them fared.

Rui Vitória has named a much-changed squad for Benfica's Portuguese Cup clash with third tier Olhanense. The Eagles are without Júlio César (back pain), Eliseu (right thigh strain), Jardel (fatigue), Jonas (back pain) and Andreas Samaris (suspension).

Eduardo Salvio is also absent; the Portuguese press report that he picked up a knock whilst on international duty, although he does not appear on Benfica's official injury list. Andrija Živković is rested, while Lisandro López remains out of favour.

Mile Svilar and Douglas are both expected to make their debuts. Branimir Kalaica, Diogo Gonçalves, Martin Chrien and João Carvalho have all been drafted in to bolster the squad. 

Saturday's game at the neutral Estádio Algarve commences at 19:00 local time.

Goalkeepers: Svilar and Bruno Varela

Defenders: Grimaldo, Luisão, Douglas, Kalaica, André Almeida and Rúben Dias

Midfielders: Fejsa, Filipe Augusto, Krovinović, Pizzi, Cervi, Chrien, João Carvalho, Rafa Silva and Diogo Gonçalves

Forwards: Raúl, Gabriel Barbosa and Seferović

Benfica’s miserable start to their title defence takes a backseat this week as attention turns to the latest international break. Nations from Europe, North and South America will all play their final group games as they attempt to qualify for next summer's World Cup. Read on to find out who still has a chance of making it to Russia 2018.

Rui Vitória has made two changes to his Benfica squad ahead of the Eagles' trip to Madeira this weekend. Brazilian right-back Douglas - on loan from Barcelona - is included for the first time, replacing Eliseu.

Andreas Samaris is unavailable due to suspension, despite earlier reports that he could continue to play until his appeal had been heard. The Greek midfielder is replaced by Filip Krovinović.

Sunday night's match at the Estádio do Marítimo kicks off at 21:30 local time.

Goalkeepers: Svilar, Júlio César and Bruno Varela

Defenders: Grimaldo, Luisão, Douglas, Jardel, André Almeida and Rúben Dias

Midfielders: Fejsa, Filipe Augusto, Živković, Salvio, Pizzi, Krovinović, Cervi and Rafa Silva

Forwards: Raúl, Jonas, Gabriel Barbosa and Seferović

Benfica’s disappointing start to their UEFA Champions League campaign continued as they were thrashed 5-0 by Group A opponents Basel at St. Jakob-Park on Wednesday night.

Benfica have taken 21 players to Switzerland for Matchweek 2 of the UEFA Champions League. The big news is the addition of 18-year-old goalkeeper Mile Svilar, and the return of of Eduardo Salvio after a sprained ankle.

Eliseu is included after being left out against Paços de Ferreira, but Lisandro López and Douglas remain out of favour. Filip Krovinović is unavailable, as he was not registered for European competition. Diogo Gonçalves has been dropped.

Wednesday's match at St. Jakob-Park gets underway at 19:45 UK and Portuguese time, and will be officiated by Scottish referee Craig Thomson.

Goalkeepers: Svilar, Júlio César and Bruno Varela

Defenders: Grimaldo, Luisão, Eliseu, Jardel, André Almeida and Rúben Dias

Midfielders: Fejsa, Filipe Augusto, Samaris, Živković, Salvio, Pizzi, Cervi and Rafa Silva

Forwards: Raúl, Jonas, Gabriel Barbosa and Seferović

Benfica got back to winning ways by defeating Paços de Ferreira 2-0 at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday night, to move up to third place in the Liga NOS. Franco Cervi put the Águias ahead in the first-half before Jonas' second-half strike sealed all three points for Rui Vitória's men, bringing to an end a barren spell of three consecutive matches without a victory.