week 2 Benfica preview

By: j | August 30th, 2008

Seems remarkable to have a Clássico in week two of the campaign however in many aspects and as I noted in part one of the preview, it might work in Porto’s best interest before the Benfica attack gels. I think all Portuguese Football fans are in for a great treat in watching Pablo Aimar and Ángel Di María work together and they will be a beast to defend against once they are acclimated to each others play. However let me also stress that this match will be won with disciplined defensive marking and Cristian Săpunaru’s role will be huge. Given the lack of scoring in the last ten Clássico’s, Jesualdo Ferreira has placed an intense emphasis upon defensive tactics work this week.

Jesualdo Ferreira tactically added Fernando, Lino and Candeias to the lineup with Mario Bolatti, Rabiola and Mariano González held back with the following squad named:

Nelson Benítez, Bruno Alves, Candeias, Ernesto Farías, Fernando, Jorge Fucile, Freddy Guarín, Helton, Hulk, Lino, Lisandro López, Lucho González, Nuno, Pedro Emanuel, Raul Meireles, Cristian Rodríguez, Rolando, Cristian Săpunaru , Tomás Costa.

Lucho González, who just re-upped his contract with the Dragões through 2012 and Lisandro López will need to aggressively push the attack forward and this will be doubly challenged with Mariano González out. It’ll be interesting to see if Hulk (pictured below), who fared so well last week, will see his role increase.

I will report on the match as it concludes.