Celtic vs Benfica preview - Commons looking to hit Benfica from the start

Posted Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by PA

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons is looking to blitz Benfica with a storming start in their Champions League Group G opener at Parkhead.

The Hoops have reached this stage of European football's elite club competition for the first time in four years and the landscape, it is widely believed, has become even more technical, methodical and cerebral in that intervening period.

However, Scotland midfielder Commons is looking for the blood and thunder start to the match that has often characterised big nights at Celtic Park.

"I always like it at 100 miles per hour from the first whistle," he said. "That's just me.

"When the players come out to the music and everyone is at that peak, the fans are itching for you to get that early goal and that's how I like it to be.

"I like to let the other team know they are in for a game in the first 10, 15 minutes.

"I like them to know this is the maximum noise, this is how we play, this is how we are going to pressure you or this is how we are going to settle, and let them know that they are not in for an easy night and see where the game takes us.

"Certainly we can't have 100 miles per hour for 90 minutes, or we wouldn't last.

"But we are looking to stamp our authority on the game early doors, there is nothing like playing at home in the first game to try to give yourself the chance to get points.

"If it is three points then magic, but if not we will be looking to get one and try to get the ball rolling.

"But it will be tough and every single player in our team will have to play at the top of their game for 93, 94 minutes."

Manager Neil Lennon, hoping his side have recovered from their shock 2-1 defeat at St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at the weekend, recognises the boost a full house at Parkhead can provide for the home side but with some reservations.

"We have to be careful that we don't get picked off if we are going to press Benfica," said the former Hoops skipper.

"But traditionally at home we do like to play a quick tempo.

"It is a quick pitch and it will be watered beforehand but that might suit both teams. I think the game will be at a fast pace.

"There shouldn't be any nerves, this is a competition that the players look forward to playing in, to challenge themselves against the best clubs in Europe and Benfica certainly come into that category."

"What I want to see is the team playing as well as they can. I want to see them express themselves, play the football that they know they are capable of and hopefully improve on Saturday's performance."

Skipper Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew are both fit for the opener.

Brown is nursing an ongoing hip problem but declared himself okay, while defender Mulgrew has shrugged off an Achilles injury.

New signings Lassad Nouioui, Miku and Efe Ambrose are included in the squad, while Georgios Samaras (elbow) Paddy McCourt (knock) and Filip Twardzik (groin) are out.

Meanwhile, Benfica are optimistic of overcoming the absence of captain Luisao - banned for two months for pushing over a referee.

The Brazil defender was given the domestic ban for an incident with official Christian Fischer during a pre-season friendly with Fortuna Dusseldorf.

FIFA have applied the suspension worldwide, meaning Luisao will miss four Champions League fixtures.

Even without their skipper, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus believes his side can make a strong start in a group which also includes Barcelona and Spartak Moscow.

"We are very confident," Jesus said.

"We are prepared for all conditions. The fact this has happened to Luisao is important, but we have other players.

"It's important to note that we focus on the game. All players have the same importance. My concern is the opposition, missing players is a secondary concern.

"We have conditions to use different players in different circumstances to adapt to the game.

"We've worked on a strategy to match any team, be that Barcelona or any other team.

"The last three years Benfica have been in the Champions League. We're prepared for this match and we want to try to achieve a good result."

Benfica will also be without the suspended Maxi Pereira, who was sent off in last season's quarter-final second leg with eventual champions Chelsea, against a Celtic side back in the Champions League following a four-year absence.

Lima could make his debut against Celtic after signing from Braga. The forward made his Champions League debut against Celtic in July 2010.