Probable XI for Benfica v Famalicão: José Mourinho faces selection dilemma | OneFootball

José Mourinho is preparing to undo the squad rotation implemented in Benfica’s last match against Farense and return to competitive normality. For the home game against Famalicão, the Setúbal-born coach will rely on his most influential players, who were rested in the Algarve. The goal is to field the most well-drilled and strongest team possible to secure all three points. Check out the coach’s pre-match comments.

Dedic returns

In defense, stability will be the main theme with the return of the usual starters. Amar Dedic is back to take up his position at right-back, while the central pairing will be Tomás Araújo and Nicolás Otamendi. António Silva is expected to return to the bench.

Benfica’s midfield will also regain its most frequently used configuration from this season. Enzo Barrenechea, who was rested against Farense, returns to the starting lineup to partner with Richard Ríos. This partnership has been fundamental to the team’s balance.

Regular starters lead the attack against the Minho side

Up front, all the heavy artillery is available to start the match. Georgiy Sudakov and Leandro Barreiro are expected to join Fredrik Aursnes in directly supporting Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek striker once again leads the attack, looking to increase his goal tally in the national competition.

Therefore, the likely starting eleven will be: Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic, Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Ríos, Leandro Barreiro, Georgiy Sudakov, Fredrik Aursnes, and Vangelis Pavlidis. The match for the 15th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic will take place on Monday, December 22. The opening whistle by André Narciso will sound at 8:45 pm.

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