Benfica v Qarabag: Bruno Lage set for changes and a debut in likely XI | OneFootball

Anatoliy Trubin, Tomás Araújo, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Ríos, Andreas Schjelderup, Fredrik Aursnes, Sudakov, and Vangelis Pavlidis. This is the likely starting 11 for Bruno Lage for the Benfica - Qarabag match, counting for the first round of the Champions League 2025/26 group stage, which will be played next Tuesday, September 16, at 8:00 PM, at Estádio da Luz.

The biggest doubt arises regarding the offensive sector of the Eagles - which has been a topic of discussion. It seems that Bruno Lage is considering breaking up the striker duo he has been using in recent games, sending Franjo Ivanovic to the bench, and promoting the debut of Sudakov as a starter for Benfica.

This scenario would see Benfica playing with two wingers (Aursnes and Schjelderup), and an attacking midfielder in the '10' position (Sudakov), supporting a single striker (Pavlidis). Behind the offensive quartet, Richard Ríos and Enzo Barrenechea are expected to be positioned, as has been usual so far.

However, there are also doubts in the defensive line, which could impact the attacking play of the team. Bruno Lage is expected to field Tomás Araújo as the right-back, but this scenario is not certain. Alternatively, the coach might play Fredrik Aursnes in the more withdrawn position on the right wing.

If he opts for this solution, Benfica would have a vacancy in the attack. Thus, if Bruno Lage chooses this customized version of his team, he should move Sudakov to the right flank and place Franjo Ivanovic in the starting 11, playing behind the Greek international, Vangelis Pavlidis.

Check out Bruno Lage's words about Sudakov here:

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