The Portuguese league leaders won 5-0 against the injury-hit Toffees in their group stage clash back in October and completed the rout with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.

It was not enough to knock Liverpool's near-neighbours out as that achievement went to Benfica's city rivals Sporting in the last-32 round.

But that only highlighted the strength of the Portuguese league as fourth-placed Sporting currently trail Benfica by a massive 23 points.

Lucas said the players will not take their opponents lightly.

"We didn't expect Benfica to beat Everton so easily but we are also scoring a lot of goals so we will respect them but try to play the best," said the Brazil international.

"They are leading the Portuguese championship and they have scored a lot of goals so we know it will be a tough game but we have experience and we have to use that experience.

"It is difficult to say who is the stronger team. All the teams who reach this stage are very strong so our job is to prove Liverpool are stronger.

"There are some very strong teams left, especially the Spanish ones.

"We know the away goal is significant and so it will be important to leave here with a good result."

Lucas is likely to return to the starting line-up after watching Sunday's 3-0 win over Sunderland from the bench.

Maxi Rodriguez in ineligible in Europe so it seems certain Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard will revert to their usual roles on the right and behind striker Fernando Torres respectively.

And with Alberto Aquilani sustaining an ankle injury in training earlier today that opens the way for Lucas to come back.

But after watching Gerrard mark his move to central midfield with a welcome return to form Lucas is not too worried about having to try to emulate his captain.

"If the manager picks me to play tomorrow I will do my best and try to do what he asks me to do - that is the most important thing," he added.

Aquilani's injury, to the same ankle he arrived at Liverpool from Roma in the summer with a problem with, will require further assessment tomorrow but it was bad enough for him to be left at home.

"It is not serious but still he has some problems," was all manager Rafael Benitez had to say on the matter.

Benitez again had to answer questions about whether there was a greater expectation on his side to do well in the Europa League in order to gloss over a poor domestic season.

"We know we have to progress in the competition and finish in the top four and both are our targets," he added.

"It doesn't matter about which competition it is for us. We have an option to win some silverware but there is not more pressure because this is Liverpool Football Club.

"We know Benfica are not losing games (they have lost one in the league all season compared to Liverpool's 10) and have confidence but we also have confidence and hopefully we can do well and win."