Benfica - Galatasaray - UEFA Cup Preview

Benfica will play Galatasaray this Thursday in the second matchday in the UEFA Cup group stages. In matchday 1, Benfica had a tough fixture in Germany against Hertha and came out with 1 point, while Galatasaray hosted Greek squad Olympiakos and defeated them by the narrowest of margins. The Turkish side is currently top of the group and can put themselves in a favorable position if they are able to come away with the three points. On the other hand, Benfica is looking to take full advantage of the home factor to get up on the table, as they can very easily finish out the day top of the group, if they are to get a win. Benfica is coming off a good showing against Guimaraes and are looking to build up on the positives they have had have as a team.

For this Match Quique called on the following players:

Keepers: Moreira and Quim
Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, Jorge Ribeiro, Sidnei and Miguel Vítor
Midfielders: Reyes, Katsouranis, Aimar, Ruben Amorim, Urreta, Binya, Di María, Carlos Martins and Yebda
Forwards: Cardozo, Nuno Gomes and Suazo

9 players in all, one player will watch the game from the stands. Leo, who apparently suffered an injury to his knee, misses his second consecutive game roster. In the midfield, Fellipe Bastos gives way to DiMaria who had been left out of the game roster against Guimaraes.

The starting line up shouldn't be too far from the starting line up we saw this past weekend.

Quim in goal. Maxi, Luisao, Sidnei and Ribeiro, will round off the back four. In the midfield, Yebda and Katsouranis will be in the middle while the flanks will be the responsibility of Reyes and Amorim. Up Front, Aimar and Suazo should repeat the successful pairing of last weekend.

The starting 11 seems obvious, let's see if Quique has any surprises in store.

Another tough game for Benfica, Galatasaray isn't necessarily coming to Lisbon, desperate for points, and they will play a very patient game and hope to take advantage of any Benfica miscues. The Turkish side can't count on 8 of their usuals, with Harry Kewell, Linderoth and Nonda being the most noticeable absences.
On the other hand, Benfica sees themselves at full strength and in clear ascension as a team. Aimar will record his second straight start, something he hadn't done yet for Benfica. The back line seems to have found consistency, as well as the center of the midfield where Yebda and Katsouranis seem to be understanding each other more and more.
It's Benfica's chance to make a move in the group. They will have a another tough fixture when they travel to Greece in the next round, and Benfica shouldn't have to go to Greece in a position where they must win to keep their hopes a live, despite the first 3 teams of the group qualifying for the next round.
Look for a good crowd at Estadio da Luz, the fans are feeling the teams momentum and will have a very good turnout, and yes there will be more fans at Estadio da Luz on Thursday then there were at Alvalade on Tuesday, in what was an historic night for Sporting, yet the fans decided to stay home. How does that song go? "So' eu sei porque e' que nao fico em casa".
The team needs to come out solid and play a good game, the goals will eventually come, the secret will lie on keeping the lead and a constant performance throughout.
I'm anticipating another magical European night - Forca Benfica!