Marco Silva set to ring the changes for Hearts - Benfica | OneFootball

is preparing a real revolution in Benfica’s starting XI for the second leg of the third Europa League qualifying round against Hearts. The five-goal advantage secured at the Estádio da Luz allows the coach to manage the workload of the most-used players and, at the same time, give minutes to footballers who are still looking to build up competitive sharpness.

One of the main new developments is the return of Fredrik Aursnes to the options available. The Norway international has yet to play any official minutes this season after being ruled out of the last three matches due to a muscle problem and, later, gastroenteritis. The No. 8 is almost fully recovered and is expected to travel with the team to Scotland, although his place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed due to his lack of match action so far.

The comfortable margin built in the first leg, with the 6-1 victory, allows Marco Silva to field players who have had fewer opportunities. Among the names expected to be given more space are Amar Dedic, Richard Ríos, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio, all of them players who joined pre-season later due to their participation in the World Cup. Using these players will allow the coach to improve their fitness levels without putting at risk the advantage built at the Luz.

Squad management becomes even more important because of the packed schedule ahead. Benfica have repeated the same starting XI in the last two matches, against Hearts and Académico de Viseu, but the trip to Scotland comes at a time when some players need rest. Marco Silva intends to take advantage of a tie that is virtually settled to rotate the team, while the less-used players will have an opportunity to prove themselves.

With qualification for the Europa League playoff virtually assured, the priority is to make sure the squad gains rhythm and maintains the right physical levels for a stage of the season when matches start coming thick and fast. After the European fixture, Benfica will already have another away trip next Monday, the 17th, this time to Rio Maior, to face Casa Pia.

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