Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is set to make several changes to his starting eleven for the visit of the Russians, with Bruno Cesar possibly starting instead of Nolito.
The Eagles face an in-form Zenit St. Petersburg at Estadio da Luz in the 2nd leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.
Benfica lost the hotly contested first leg at the Luzhniki after Roman Shirokov’s brace insured the advantage for the hosts late on. However the Lisbon giants will be looking to turn around the 3-2 deficit and secure progression to the quarter-finals of
the prestigious competition at home.
While their form in the Primeira Liga has dipped severely in the past few weeks, one would not rule out the Reds from making a strong impression in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Portugal-c2984. However their task has been made even harder following injuries to some crucial players.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rodrigo-c31437 will draft in as the side’s play-maker.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-c8098 Cesar is reported to be ahead of Nolito in the pecking order this time around and could be given the nod to start instead
of the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 man.
Nolito, 25, was not the most effective of wingers during the Classico and failed to make any significant contributions, in a game which Porto won through a dramatic, stoppage-time header.
Already facing an uphill battle against the Zenitchiki, Jorge Jesus will have to make sure that his side take every chance that comes their way, but as the forward’s form has been patchy, he cannot be relied upon to get the much needed goals.
Bruno Cesar on the other hand has proven that he can crank up the tempo in the biggest games and with UEFA Champions League glory on the line; it doesn’t get much bigger than this.
The Liga Sagres giants take on Zenit today at the Stadium of Light, and will need to a minimum of a 1-0 scoreline to progress.
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