Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes that Chelsea must stop Benfica forward Oscar Cardozo if they are to win the Europa League final tonight.

The Paraguayan hitman offers the biggest goal threat for the Portuguese outfit and has scored six goals in the competition this season.

"As part of a very lively Benfica front three, Oscar Cardozo is an obvious threat within sight of goal," Smith wrote in his column in The Telegraph.

"And while the Paraguayan striker can occasionally be a little greedy around the penalty area, he can also be lethal if allowed to shift the ball on to his favoured left foot.

"Rafael Benítez, I am sure, will have mentioned this to his defenders, told them to steer Cardozo on to his weaker side. But that is easier said than done in the heat of battle when your opponent only needs half a yard to get his shot away."

The Blues will be without the trio of Ryan Bertrand, John Terry and Eden Hazard for the Amsterdam ArenA final this evening.