Benfica - Academica Preview

After the worst showing of the season this past weekend, Benfica hopes to show that they can do a lot more this Saturday, when they host Academica. Academica is currently 9th, and hold the second worst loss away from home tally with 8 defeats. In the first round Benfica beat Academica 2-0, breaking a year of home invincibility by the "Students", but last year's home defeat to Academica by 3-0, continues to remain a bone stuck in Benfica's throat, who will be out not only avenge that defeat, but also to respond to comments made to the media by Academica's captain Piloto. Piloto came out this week and stated that Benfica has not shown to be a title contender. The comments were posted up in the locker room and were turned into a focal point by the team while preparing for this game.


Here's the game roster for this saturday's match:

Keepers: Moreira and Quim;

Defender: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, Miguel Vítor, David Luiz and Jorge Ribeiro;

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

Forwards: Nuno Gomes, Cardozo and Mantorras

The exclusion of Yebda is the biggest surprise of this list. Certainly a technical option by Quique trying to shake things up.
Luisao continues to recuperate from the injury he picked playing for Brazil. Ribeiro, who was doubtful in the beginning of the week, seems to have recuperated. Also in the early week doubtful list, were Reyes and Martins, but it seems like they both have recuperated from their injuries.

The starting 11 should be very close to this - Quim in goal. Maxi, Miguel Vitor, Sidnei and David Luiz in the back, the other option would be to repeat last game's defense with David Luiz in the middle and Ribeiro on the left.
In the midfield, Katsouranis will be in the middle and his partner will vary based on Quique's game plan. Amorim is a clear candidate but so is Aimar. With Amorim in the middle, Quique should opt for Reyes and DiMaria on the flanks with Aimar supporting Cardozo. With Aimar in the middle, Amorim will most likely be on the right while the left side should go to Reyes, with DiMaria being an alternative should the Spaniard not be 100%.
Up front, I'd think Quique will continue to go with Cardozo, while his partner should depend on where Quique will line up Aimar. If Amorim goes to the middle it is likely Aimar might show up in the front line, relegating Nuno Gomes to the bench.
In my opinion, using Aimar on one of the flanks is a complete waste. Look for Aimar to line up in a more influential position.

Nothing to be said as far as what's expected from the team, as a "W" is the only result that will serve. With the title door closing, the focus needs to remain on getting as far up as possible, as only the second place finisher will be eligible to play a Champions League qualifier.

So what will it be? Payback time or Wasted time?