Marco Silva already has Benfica XI for Porto, one doubt remains | OneFootball

After the historic win over Milan, Benfica returned to Lisbon full of confidence, but with no time for major celebrations. The focus is now fully on the clásico against FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão, and Marco Silva has virtually settled on the starting eleven he wants to field in the clash.

The Benfica coach already had the clássico in mind even before the trip to Milan, something that was clear in the choices made for the European match. The aim is to put out a team that is physically ready and capable of exploiting the dragons’ weaknesses.

In attack, the coach is expected to rely on Rafa, Prestianni, Schjelderup, and Pavlidis, players who have taken on a particularly prominent role in Benfica’s attacking unit. The biggest question mark, however, lies in the composition of midfield and at right-back.

Alexander Bah has recovered from the trauma to his right shoulder and is training without limitations, but he did not travel to Italy. The full-back is a candidate to start at the Dragão, although there are still doubts about his physical condition and whether he will be in the lineup. In that scenario, Fredrik Aursnes emerges as a key figure. The Norway international has regained full fitness and is seen by Marco Silva as indispensable. It remains to be seen where he will be used: at right-back or in midfield alongside João Palhinha.

If Aursnes drops back into defense, Leandro Barreiro is expected to partner Palhinha in the middle of the park. The decision will depend above all on the final assessment of Bah, who is now returning after missing the matches against Moreirense, Gil Vicente, and Milan.

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