Chelsea v Benfica: José Mourinho recalls key starter in likely line-up | OneFootball

Anatoliy Trubin, Amar Dedic, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, Samuel Dahl, Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Ríos, Fredrik Aursnes, Georgiy Sudakov, Dodi Lukebakio and Vangelis Pavlidis. This is expected to be the probable starting eleven for Benfica in their visit to Chelsea.

In a match of utmost importance for Benfica’s aspirations in the Champions League, José Mourinho is likely to field a lineup similar to the one used against Gil Vicente in the last game, with the exception of the return of Enzo Barrenechea, who was suspended due to yellow cards in the match against Gil Vicente.

This change should immediately take Schjelderup out of the lineup. The Norwegian forward started against Gil Vicente, but with Enzo Barrenechea returning, Fredrik Aursnes is expected to take one of the flanks, leaving the young Nordic player without a spot. Dodi Lukebakio, meanwhile, is a confirmed starter in Mourinho’s eleven.

The Eagles’ defensive line should remain unchanged. Anatoliy Trubin stays in goal for Benfica, with Dedic and Dahl likely to be the chosen full-backs. In central defense, Otamendi and António Silva should keep their places.

The uncertainty arises in attack: Lukebakio is expected to start, as is Vangelis Pavlidis. Enzo Barrenechea and Richard Ríos are also likely to enjoy the same status. However, if José Mourinho opts to play with three midfielders, it’s possible that Fredrik Aursnes will move from the wing to a more central position, or the coach might even prefer another option, such as Leandro Barreiro, to fill that role—in this case, Sudakov would take the flank, supporting the lone striker, Pavlidis.

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