Benfica - Leixoes Preview

"The future starts now", that was the title of my last post. If Benfica wants to win the championship, that is the motto they need to adopt. I know I have often written - "the most important game of the season" but from here on out every game is the most important game of the season, because as long as there are still 2 games to play and the point differential is 4, we still have a chance to become champions.
Leixoes comes into Estadio da Luz trying to be the first lower tier team to beat all of the big three in their own home pitch. They are currently in 4th, two points behind Benfica, and they have only lost once away from Estadio do Mar, in 10 games. Quite impressive for a team that finished 14th last season, after being recently promoted. They have lost only 2 games in their past 20, but have not gotten on the win column in the past 2 games. Benfica on the other hand, is coming out of their second loss of the season, and quite a compromising loss if you ask me. With the matches against direct rivals behind them, Benfica will now need to find the motivation and the desire to beat the teams, that are accessible on paper, but that present the biggest difficulties.

For this game Quique called on the following 18:

Keepers: Moreira and Quim;

Defenders: Luisão, Maxi Pereira, David Luiz, Jorge Ribeiro and Miguel Vítor;

Midfielders: Reyes, Katsouranis, Balboa, Aimar, Rúben Amorim, Urreta, Binya, Di María and Carlos Martins;

Forwards: Cardozo, Mantorras and Nuno Gomes.

The biggest absences are the ones of Sidnei and Suazo. Sidnei, unlike Suazo, is at 100% physically and his exclusion his obviously a technical option by Quique. Suazo, has made the injury report with a muscle injury and is doubtful for next week's game also.
Yebda is also absent, but he serves his 1 game automatic ban for picking up his 5th yellow. Fan favorite Mantorras makes his return to the game roster.

Looking at this game roster, i am projecting the following line up: Moreira, Maxi, Luisao, Miguel Vitor and Ribeiro in the back. Katsouranis, Martins in the middle, Amorim and Reyes on the wings, Aimar supporting Cardozo up front. I'm anticipating the changes to come in the back. With Sidnei not being called up, Miguel Vitor will most likely play along side Luisao. On the left, I am thinking Ribeiro, as Quique has publicly stated that David Luiz need to be more focused. On a psychological angle, I could see Quique giving the young Brazilian another chance to see how he has recuperated from the disastrous performance against Sporting. But I'm more inclined to think that Quique will start Ribeiro, as a consequence of Luiz's performance. There's no doubt that Luiz has talent, but performances like the one on Saturday can not go unpunished, especially for a player from which a lot is expected of. Quique has called for focus, time on the bench would grant the young Brazilian enough time to think about that focus. I know he has played out of position, yada, yada, yada, but when you put on a Benfica jersey you better be ready to serve the team, and help the team reach of their goals.

I don't have to go on a long diatribe explaining why this game is important. It's very clear, for one, Leixoes is a direct competitor, a win would distance ourselves from the chasing pack. A win would also put us in a position where we would wait for a result from Sporting and porto this weekend. A win would put the pressure on both teams to get a positive result.
Needless to say, the championship race starts here, as a loss and a porto win would put the championship well out of reach.
It'd be interesting to see how the team reacts following the loss to Sporting. There's no doubt in my mind that fans will be behind the team, the big question is - will the team be in front of the fans?