Belenenses - Benfica Preview

Two weeks after the 8-1 dismantling of Setubal, Benfica returns to action this Sunday against Belenenses. Belenenses is currently in 8th, having experienced all 3 possible results in the first 3 rounds of the Liga Sagres.
Benfica on the other hand will look to jump to 2 place equaling porto in points, but having the advantage in goal average.
It should be an interesting game to watch, not only because of the expectations the fans have for Benfica, following the 8-1 result from two weeks ago, but also because of the secondary story line involving Fellipe Bastos and Freddy Adu who will be on the other side of the field.

As you may know, both Bastos and Adu were sent to Belenenses after not figuring in JJ's plans for the season, the two will be looking to prove JJ wrong if they get a chance.
Bastos, who after sitting the first couple games, emerged as a starter in the last game for the Belem side, but is yet to be a staple on the starting 11.
As for Adu, he will complete is second week with the team, and is still on the outside looking in. Both are on the game roster, and will most likely be used in one capacity or another as the extra motivation will certainly be a factor.

As for Benfica's game roster here it is...

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César.

Defenders: Shaffer, Luisão, David Luiz, Sidnei, Maxi Pereira and César Peixoto.

Midfielders: Ruben Amorim, Fábio Coentrão, Di Maria, Felipe Menezes, Pablo Aimar, Ramires and Javi Garcia.

Forwards: Cardozo, Nuno Gomes, Keirrison and Saviola.

19 player list with a few eye grabbers.

Moreira who had been Benfica's #2 keeper, seems to have lost that status to Julio Cesar who emerges as the second goal keeper for this game.
In the defense, the return of Maxi who has recuperated from his injury earlier than expected. In the midfield, Felipe Menezes makes his game roster debut.
Up front, JJ called on the same four as a week ago, leaving the now recuperated Weldon out.

There are a few doubts as to the starting 11 JJ will field, both Luisao and Cardozo returned from South America on Friday, got in a recuperating session on Friday, and a full training session during Saturday, their inclusion in the starting 11 will be a game day choice.
Maxi, who returns after a 4 week injury period, might not yet have the competitive rhythm necessary and will need to be worked into the line up.

Here's what today's line up should look like:
Quim in goal. Amorim, Luisao, David Luiz and Shaffer. Javi Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar. Cardozo and Saviola.
In the even that Maxi starts, Amorim will most be relegated to the bench. Keirrison should be JJ's choice in the event that Cardozo will be given the rest. But it's unlikely as Cardozo, barely played for Paraguay. Sidnei would be Luisao's natural replacement.
In either case, JJ has stated that he has full confidence in all of the members of this team and will use them based on how he will need them.

Tough game for Benfica who has not won at Belem the past couple of seasons. It'll be interesting to see the team after a two week lay off, and how the time off affected the team. The 8-1 result needs to be forgotten and not be used a comfort zone factor, the team needs to keep working, with the same motivation and the same focus they have shown this early in the season.