Monday, October 26, 2009

Benfica - Nacional Preview


It's back to domestic play for Benfica, this time hosting 4th place Nacional. Both teams are coming off Europa League games, both with opposite results. Nacional traveled to Spain to meet Atl Bilbao, where they lost 2-1. Domestically Nacional has done ok, with 3 wins, 2 ties and 2 losses, and despite being in 4th place the difference to the top team is a distant 11 points.
Benfica can go ahead and take first place from Braga, as the northern side dropped 2 points this past Sunday. After the 5-0 defeat of Everton, it's important to approach this game with a degree of grounding in order to end the day at the top.


For this game JJ called on the following players:

Keepers: Quim and Júlio César;

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

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

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

20 players in all, of which only 18 will be able to suit up.
Keirrison makes his return to the game roster after being sidelined by an injury he picked up in practice.

JJ's 11 shouldn't be to far from the following - Quim in goal. Maxi, Luisao , David Luiz and Peixoto. Javi Garcia, DiMaria, Ramires and Aimar. Saviola and Cardozo up front.

Nacional has not given up goals at Estadio da Luz in the past two seasons, Benfica will look to end that streak in a night when the new Estadio da Luz commemorates 6 years of existence.

Very important game for Benfica, a pivotal one if you ask me. Not only can Benfica take over the lead, but they will also take the momentum into Braga in the next round. Working on three days rest, it'll be important to get on the board early as the final 25 minutes of the second half will prove to be a battle of fitness for both teams. Expect another good crowd at Estadio da Luz, who will not only try to push the team to first place, but also to sing happy birthday.

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