AEK - Benfica Europa League MD2 Preview

Benfica's Europa League campaign will continue this Thursday when Benfica faces AEK in Athens. AEK will be looking for their first win of the competition, after allowing Everton to drop a 4 spot on them in match day 1. Domestically, AEK is not doing so great, registering 2 wins, 1 tie, and 2 defeats thus far, a record that has them sitting in 7th place well below of where they usually perch.
Benfica on the other hand, comes into this game hoping to get three valuable points which can put us in the driver seat of the competition. But it's perhaps in games like these, Benfica will find the most difficulty in. AEK might be down on their luck, but they are in a position where they are looking to get their season back on track, and a win in European competition will server to make some amends with their fan base, who seems to have turned their back on this team.


The following players made the trip to Greece:

Keepers: Moreira, Júlio César and Quim.

Defenders: Miguel Vítor, Luisão, David Luiz, César Peixoto, Maxi Pereira and Sidnei

Midfielders: Rúben Amorim, Javi García, Aimar Ramires, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Felipe Menezes and Carlos Martins

Forwards: Cardozo, Keirrison, Weldon, Nuno Gomes and Saviola.

22 in all, 4 of them will not dress, one of them off course, being one of the keepers.

There's been much speculation on whether or not JJ will play some of the players who are not regular starters, starting with the goalkeeper position, I don't believe we will see many changes but perhaps 1 or 2 to the usual 11.
Here's what the line up should look like:
Julio Cesar in goal. Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto from right to left in the back. Javi Garcia, Aimar, Ramires and DiMaria in the midfield. Cardozo and Saviola up front. There's a big possibility Weldon might start in place of Saviola up front, but JJ did not confirm, nor deny the inclusion of less used players in the starting line up. With Aimar, DiMaria and Maxi not being able to play this upcoming Monday(leaving for international duty) it's almost certain that all three will play.

I recently read a column in one of the Portuguese dailies, O Jogo, (pro porto)that recalled last years' trip to Greece, and subsequent defeat to Olympiacos for the UEFA Cup, as the turning point to Benfica's season. The article went on to say that, up until that time, Quique had enjoyed a successful beginning of season and the support of the fans.
In a failed attempt to find the similarities in this year's team and last year's, it's very clear that the vultures are out there waiting for the bottom to fall out. Yes Benfica did play in Greece, and yes it was for the former UEFA Cup, but that's where the similarities end.
Despite having a successful beginning of season, by previous season's standards, last year's team can't even be compared to this year's. The quality and the results are nowhere near each other, and anyone who thinks there are similarities between the two teams is either an idiot or a disgrace prophet wannabe.

It'll be a hard game for Benfica but nothing the team hasn't already faced this year. For one, I very much doubt AEK will play for a tie at home, this alone will help Benfica's style.
There will plenty of fouls and the midfield will be incredibly populated, but Benfica has the players and the experience to overcome anything AEK throws at us. The win will not come easy, but i believe we will return to Lisbon with 3 points.