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| Wednesday, 24 August 2011 08:38 |
Preview: Benfica – FC TwenteEagles look to maintain home form in Playoff Round After an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Netherlands last week, Benfica host FC Twente this evening in the second leg of their Champions League Playoff Round tie, knowing that a victory or a draw in which they concede less than two goals will see them through to the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Jorge Jesus took no chances at the weekend, naming a near full-strength side for the Eagles’ 3-1 home win over Feirense. Fortunately for the tactician, none of his charges picked up any knocks, allowing him to name the following squad, with no major absentees: Goalkeepers: Artur, Eduardo. Defenders: Garay, Jardel, Luisao, Emerson, Maxi Pereira. Midfielders: Bruno Cesar, Enzo Perez, Gaitan, Javi Garcia, Matic, Nolito, Pablo Aimar, Ruben Amorim, Witsel. Forwards: Cardozo, Saviola. Despite a summer that has seen plenty of transfer activity, Benfica’s 2011/12 starting eleven already appears fairly settled, and Jesus is not expected to spring many (if any) surprises tonight. The only notable absentees from the squad are Joan Capdevila (who may have expected to be involved after playing the full ninety minutes against Feirense) and Franco Jara, who has been linked with a move away in recent days. Although they were besieged by their determined opponents during the second half, Benfica’s attacking quartet of Nolito, Gaitan, Aimar and Cardozo (with Axel Witsel providing both defensive and attacking support in central areas) had Twente all at sea on numerous occasions during the opening forty-five, and should be given the opportunity to torment Co Adriaanse’s men once more. Following the final whistle last week, Jesus declared: “this result gives us confidence for Lisbon.” As well as having two away goals in their back pocket, the Eagles also have a formidable home record in European competition, both against Dutch sides and in a wider sense. The last time a side from the Eredevisie tasted victory at the Luz was in 1975, when PSV prevailed 2-1 in a Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final, thanks to an 86th minute winner from Ouaars. Benfica have won their last four home matches against Dutch teams, and have thirteen victories in their last fifteen home European games, including five in a row. Conversely, Twente have won just one of their last five European away trips. Their last (and only) meeting with a Portuguese outfit in Portugal ended in a goalless draw against Sporting at the Alvalade in the 2009 Champions League third qualifying round, before going out on away goals. Co Adriaanse’s last visit to the Luz (as Porto coach in 2006) ended in defeat, thanks to a solitary goal from Laurent Robert. Adriaanse has named a near-identical squad to last week’s first leg, with only Nacer Chadli absent due to injury. The forward pairing of Bryan Ruiz and Luuk De Jong (who was on target in a 5-1 hammering of Heerenveen at the weekend) showed themselves to be dangerous adversaries in the first leg, and with Champions League qualification on the line, Jorge Jesus and co. will not be taking them, or Twente, lightly. Ben Shave |
Emerson is the only really weak link in the squad although he hasn't hurt us yet today, but against good squads he is a mistake.
Witsel gets two goals.. and covers back.. why he isn't always a starter I have no idea since he is the best player so far only behind Nolito.. either were not starters in JJ's plans from the beginning.. but they are now.
Cardozo is better up front even though he missed opportunities today.. I would rather see him with Nelson Oliveira up top.
Good game for most but.. was it just me.. or was Luisao always out of position? Everytime Twente had an opportunity it was Javi defending not Luisao????
Where was he in midfield?
Anyways he did score a goal and did not cost us any.. so we can deal with it... but hopefully he doesn't keep doing that as against Porto they will smash that door in.
Aimar is having0 a good game.. even Gaitan almost looked like he was defending at times.. so overall it is a good game.
3-0 70th minute.. woohoo... on the the Champions League...
Jorge almost got it all right today.. I am impressed.
Once they are into the group stage, they will need to focus on sealing the cracks in their defense. Offensively, they are capable of causing problems but the best teams in Europe will be able to exploit them on the counter if they don't make some adjustments.
Forca Benfica! Make Portugal proud...