Benfica - Feirense - Portuguese Cup Preview

The fifth round of the Portuguese Cup will be played this weekend. After having played another Bwin team in the 4th round, Benfica has an easier task this time, they will play against Feirense, a team from the Vitalis league ( Portugal's second division). it is the perfect game to "shakeoff" the negative moment that the team is currently going through. After 2 consecutive ties for the Bwin, Benfica will look to get back on the winning track against a considerably weaker team.


Camacho called the following players for this game:

Keepers: Butt and Moreira;
Defenders: Luisão, Luís Filipe, Nélson, Edcarlos, David Luiz and Ruben Lima;
Midfielders: Katsouranis, David Simão, Rui Costa, Maxi Pereira and Assis;
Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Mantorras, Di Maria, Adu and Cardozo.

Notable absences are the ones of Leo, Quim, Petit and Rodriguez.
Leo is currently suffering from a back injury and will not be available to play. Also out with injuries are Petit and Rodriguez, both with muscular ailments. Quim on the other hand, was left out by Camacho's choice. It is customary that second keepers get the start on domestic cup games, so Camacho has chosen Butt and Moreira for this match.

David Simao and Ruben Lima are juniors that have earned a call up, with the first one being his first ever call up.

Camacho has already confirmed that Nelson will be on the left, Edcarlos in the center of the defense with Luisao, and Katsouranis will start in the defensive midfield slot.

The rest of the starting 11 won't be much of a mistery, with the chance of 1 or 2 new faces in the starting 11.

Here is my projected line up:

Butt in goal, although Moreira wouldn't be a surprise. In defense, Luis Felipe, Luisao, Edcarlos and Nelson on the left. Katsouranis will play in front of the defense, as Camacho manifested that Katso is in conditions to play. DiMaria, Maxi and most likely Rui Costa will play in the midfield. I say most likely Rui Costa, because there is a chance Nuno Assis might get the start in the playmaker role. Up front, I'm expecting Cardozo and Nuno Gomes.

Don't be surprised if either Adu or Mantorras surprise everyone and get a start, it would be the perfect game for one of them to get the minutes.

It shouldn't be a hard game for Benfica, who despite playing a much weaker team, have the added pressure of having to deliver in front of their fans. Benfica's fan base is growing restless with the team's recent lackluster performances, and the team feels that a good result could silence some of the critics that are coming out every day.

So, easy game, but imperative win.

The game will not be televised, i am currently exploring the possibility of liveblogging the game so that you have an opportunity to follow the game. The game is @ 16.00 (local time) 11.00 if you are in the US' east coast(EST).

At this time there is a strong chance i will liveblog the game, so check back later on for confirmation or tomorrow before the game starts.