Benfica - Braga Preview

After losing first place last weekend, Benfica sees themselves having to win to keep up with the lead pack. Tonight, they will face fifth place Braga who trails Benfica by 3 points. Braga is, in my opinion, one of the strongest teams in the Liga Sagres. They advanced to the second round of the UEFA CUP, from a group that included Milan, Wolfsburg, Portsmouth. Domestically, they have only one won game away from home, but have also only lost one away from "The Quarry". They are a strong team, who is capable of playing toe to toe with the top teams.

For this game against Braga, Quique has called on the following players:

Keepers: Moreira and Moretto

Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, David Luiz, Jorge Ribeiro, Sidnei, Miguel Vítor.

Midfielders: Katsouranis, Yebda, Aimar, Ruben Amorim, Carlos Martins

Forwards: Cardozo, Reyes, Di María, Nuno Gomes and Suazo

After making a brief bench appearance in the midweek League Cup game, Quim continues to no be part of Quique's options. In the midfield, Binya and Balboa were left out of Quique's options, while Reyes and Nuno Gomes return to the front line. The first one coming off an injury, the second one from a suspension.

Quique will most likely go with the following 11:
Moreira in goal, Maxi, Luisao, Sidnei and Jorge Ribeiro. Yebda and Katsouranis in the middle. Amorim and Reyes on the flanks. Aimar and Suazo up front.

There's been a lot of talk about who will be in goal today, the media has published reports that Moretto might be the chosen one. I don't feel that Moreira will lose the number one spot regardless of his miscue against Trofense. Moretto got the start for the League Cup, as it is customary for second line keepers to be rotated in, but i don't believe he will take over the starting spot. In the defense, Sidnei is a sure bet alongside Luisao, despite Miguel Vitor's good moment of form. If anything will change in the defense will most likely be the inclusion of David Luiz on the left, but i still think that Ribeiro will get the nod. In the midfield, Reyes looks to be a sure thing, unless, Quique feels he is not yet at 100%, in that case, DiMaria would be on the left wing. There's a possibility that DiMaria can be on the right side, but it seems unlikely against a team like Braga, Quique will want to keep the midfield balanced, and Amorim is the player that will provide that balance.
Many have been wondering where's Pablo Aimar, well, only playing rhythm will bring us the best Aimar, he will once again be supporting Suazo.

A very, very tough game for Benfica. The Guimaraes win is far from burying any ghosts of the past 45 days, the team will need to continue on the winning track if they are to get the fans confidence back, which at this point is in limbo. After Sporting's win yesterday, and Porto playing Trofense today, Benfica will need to get a win to avoid falling behind. Expect the team to come out strong with a winning attitude.
Only a win can bring back back the fans and make them believe again in this team.