Benfica vs. Manchester United: UEFA Champions League preview
Jorge Jesus’s men host free-scoring Manchester United at Estadio da Luz, in what promises to be another classic UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, September 14.
Benfica:
The Eagles are placed in a relatively easy group, with the only obstacle really preventing them from topping being Manchester United.
Benfica are on a good run of form and have secured back-to-back wins in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Oscar Cardozo’s brace from the penalty spot took the Lisbon outfit to second place in the standings, where they are now two points behind http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186.
While almost back to their best, the home side will have to call upon all their tricks to gain a result against the Premier League champions, who are the most intimidating team on the continent at the moment.
Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson again looks to have built a team destined for glory in all competitions.
With a base of home-grown players, the Scot has not only passed stringent UEFA rules but has also kept up his tradition of relying on English players to makeup the core of his team.
The Red Devils brushed aside Bolton Wanderers on the weekend with a 5-0 thumping – a follow-up of the 8-2 rout of Arsenal before the International break.
Powered by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Luis http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 and Ashley Young upfront, the visitors will look to carry their devastating attack from the Premiership into the UEFA Champions League on match day one.
Team News:
Benfica:
Although facing an arduous battle with United, Benfica, can find some relief in the fact that Jorge Jesus has an injury-free squad to choose from.
In-form front men such as Oscar Cardozo, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938 are all available for the crucial tie and will have to be at their best in order to curb the power of the Manchester giants.
Manchester United:
Despite losing the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nemanja-Vidic-c27550 and Rafael to injuries, Sir Alex Ferguson has such a deeply talented squad at his disposal that the loss of the missing players hasn’t been visible on the pitch.
Youngsters like Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Smalling have stepped up at the right time, while Wayne Rooney has continued to play some of his best football to date.
The England star has so far netted an incredible 8 times in only 4 appearances and is already staking his claim on the FIFA World Player of the Year award this time around. Supporting him on the wings are Nani and Young, who have both been impressive in
the early exchanges of the season.
In the middle of the pitch, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Darren-Fletcher-c10361 will probably get the nod if the Brazilian is rested.
As http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231 and Chris Smalling will be playing as wingbacks.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-de-Gea-c10463 is expected to retain his place between the sticks, following a decent performance against Bolton on Saturday.
Key Players:
Benfica: Oscar Cardozo
The Paraguayan star looks to be back to his mercurial best following his feats in previous Liga Sagres fixtures and will be the main source of attack for Jorge Jesus’s men.
Manchester United: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wayne-Rooney-c36736
“Lionel Messi who?” is the statement being resonated where Wayne Rooney has played this season. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749’s favourite son finally looks to be the player he was destined to be and with his current form looks to be a good bet for this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Prediction:
Benfica: 0-4 Manchester United
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