Braga v Benfica: Mourinho’s likely XI for the trip to Pedreira | OneFootball

Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedić, Nicolás Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Samuel Dahl, Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Ríos, Leandro Barreiro, Georgiy Sudakov, Fredrik Aursnes, and Vangelis Pavlidis. This should be the starting 11 chosen by José Mourinho - who provided an update on the injured players - to take the field in the Braga – Benfica match.

Occupying third place in the Liga Portugal Betclic with 35 points, Benfica faces a high-level challenge. Winning is mandatory to keep up with Porto and Sporting at the top. Any slip in this Braga – Benfica match could be fatal for the team's national title aspirations this season.

In the defensive sector, the big news is the recovery of Tomás Araújo. The young center-back, who was injured in the game against Famalicão, is fit to play alongside Otamendi. Dedic and Dahl complete the backline that will protect Trubin's goal in this tough visit to the Minho warriors' ground.

Barreiro expected to return to the starting 11 in Braga - Benfica

The novelty comes in the midfield, with the return of Leandro Barreiro to the starting lineup. The Luxembourger returns to the initial options after two games absent, relegating Prestianni to the bench. He joins Barrenechea, Ríos, and Sudakov to form José Mourinho's cohesive block in this intense Braga – Benfica.

Vangelis Pavlidis will be the offensive reference, tasked with finishing the attacking plays. The Setubal-born coach maintains confidence in the usual system to overcome the opponent's strategy. Securing the three points is the only acceptable goal for the Eagles, who seek to emerge victorious from this decisive and thrilling Braga – Benfica.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.