Benfica - Everton - Matchday 3 Preview

After the predictable shellacking of a far inferior Monsanto for the Portuguese Cup, Benfica gets back to European business as they face group leaders Everton this thursday.
It is the clash of the two favorites to come out of the group, in a game where Benfica needs the win to stay in a comfortable position in the group, and Everton hopes to get some kind of points, in what they have billed as their hardest game of this stage.
Everton stands atop Group I, with 6 points from 2 wins, having only conceded 1 goal while scoring 6.
Benfica is currently 2nd with 3 points, the same ones from AEK. With AEK visiting winless Bate, Benfica will need to get the win, or they may fall behind.


For this game JJ called on the following 19 players:

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César.

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

Midfielder: Amorim, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Carlos Martins, Fábio Coentrão, Di María, Menezes and Aimar.

Forwards: Weldon, Nuno Gomes, Saviola and Cardozo.

JJ should field the following side - Julio Cesar, Maxi, Luisao, David Luiz and Peixoto in the defense. Javi Garcia, Ramires, DiMaria and Aimar in the midfield. Cardozo and Saviola up front.

Cesar should get the start in goal, if JJ follows the rotation method he has used up until this point. Quim- Sagres, Julio Cesar - Europa, Moreira - Portuguese Cup.

No surprises, this is our strongest 10, despite JJ saying Benfica doesn't really have a set 11.
You can expect a packed stadium, and an Everton that won't necessarily be in a defensive posture. Everton has nothing to lose, and the best way to combat Benfica's intent to dominate, is not to play the entire game behind the ball.
With that being said, an open game is expected, and that will favor Benfica's style of play. I'm not saying that Everton will just let Benfica play, but if Benfica plays with speed, the game will open up for Benfica.

This game starts an important phase of the season that can very well dictate the rest of the season. A trip to Braga for what it will most likely be the league lead, a trip to London to face Everton in another crucial matchday, and an away game against arch rival Sporting, closes out this 6 game cycle.

Surely a bad result will not be determinant in our European campaign, a win will keep the machine going, and will help it gathering strength to steamroll right into December.