This Wednesday Benfica plays Moreirense for a spot in the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup. Moreirense is currently 8th in the Portuguese II Division(Portugal's 3rd flight), and should be a very accesible adversary for Benfica. Benfica on the other hand, will look to rest some players ahead of this weekend's clash with Sporting, and give the less used players some valuable playing time.
Camacho has called the following players:
Keepers: Butt and Moreira;
Defenders: Luís Filipe, Zoro, Nélson, Edcarlos and Sepsi;
Midfielders: Katsouranis, Rui Costa, Bynia, David Simão, Nuno Assis, Maxi Pereira and Di Maria;
Forwards: Cardozo, Mantorras, Adu and Makukula
Notable absences - Luisao, Quim, Leo and Petit. The first 2 will be given a rest, while Leo and Petit will try to recuperate from minor injuries that have been affecting them. Also in the injured list are: Rodriguez, David Luiz and Nuno Gomes, who will also not be available for this game. Making returns to the game roster are, Zoro and David Simao the junior.
Camacho will surely present many changes in the usual starting line up, but the doubt will remain as to what formation he will use, having gone back to the 4-2-3-1 this past weekend, Camacho should return to the 4-1-3-2, as Moreirense is a much weaker team, it makes sense to play with 2 forwards.
Taking this into consideration, here's the probable starting 11.
Butt will once again be in goal, as it is customary that he plays the Cup games ahead of any other keeper. In defense, Nelson should be on the right, while in the middle, Edcarlos will most likely partner with Katsouranis. On the left, Sepsi will make his starting debut. In the midfield, Bynia will take on the sole role of defensive midfielder while ahead of him we should see, DiMaria on the left, Maxi on the right and Assis in the middle. Up front, Cardozo will be supported by either Mantorras or Freddy Adu.
It would be the perfect situation for Freddy Adu, in a position that is not foreign to him, as that was the position he played in the U-20 WC. Freddy is very mobile and would be perfect to play right behind Cardozo. Camacho has already stated that neither Makukula, nor Rui Costa will be starting. So perhaps an opportunity here for Freddy.
Shouldn't be a very hard game for Benfica, who will need to assert themselves early and quickly. Despite not having a dominating home record, Benfica should beat Moreirense.
Close attention will be given to Sepsi, who gets his first start, after a couple games of coming in as a sub and having interesting performances in short minutes, the Romanian will be in the eyes of every Benfica fan as he will have a lot more time to demonstrate his quality.
As of right now the game doesn't look like it will be televised, not even to Portugal, so your best bet to catch the game will be on the radio.
radio link
http://www.rtp.pt/antena1/
click on the link "emissao online"
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Benfica - Moreirense - Portuguese Cup Preview
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3 comments:
I have been at the last 4 home games and will also be attending this one. I feel your reports are very accurate. I will be sure to report back on what i see. Interesting match. I hope you are right with your predictions.
thank you.
it's very different watching the game live than what you watch on tv. only live could you see how the team moves as a whole on the field which can offer for a better analysis- it's been 2 years since i was last at Estadio da Luz. Enjoy the game.
Look forward to some of your thoughts on the game.
Cheers
Adu is starting! have just heard word.
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