Ivanovic given green light for Benfica move, Vitória de Guimarães on alert | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanovic is expected to return to the starting lineup against Vitória de Guimarães. According to reports, the Croatian forward, who has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, is very close to returning to the starting eleven of Benfica in the match for the 27th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic.

As reported by the newspaper Record, if this scenario is confirmed, it will mark Ivanovic's return to the starting lineup, something that hasn't happened for three months, when the number 9 was an option for José Mourinho in the match against Feirense, for the Portuguese Cup, where the Eagles won 2-0.

At a time when several points of the national press report the possibility of José Mourinho - who will be present at the game against Guimarães - making some changes in Benfica's attack, given the current form of the Croatian and the fact that Vangelis Pavlidis hasn't scored in six consecutive games, across all competitions.

Another question that arises is whether Amar Dedic will play or not. According to the same source, Benfica is still awaiting the decision on the appeal, filed following the two-match suspension applied to the Bosnian. So far, the number 17 is not in the plans, and Alexander Bah is expected to appear on the match sheet.

This season, playing for Benfica, Franjo Ivanovic - valued at 20 million euros - has already played 35 official matches: 18 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup, and two in the League Cup. In the 1,169 minutes he was on the pitch, the Croatian recorded six goals and two assists.

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