Date: Saturday August 25 Time: 7:00 p.m. WET | 2:00 p.m. ET | 11:00 a.m. PT Location: Estadio da Luz, Lisboa Television: Benfica TV
Maybe the new signings coming in can make an immediate impact. But they are miles ahead of us right now in terms of team chemistry and even fitness (they started early because of Champions League playoffs and also didn't have the turbulence we had). Cautiously pessimistic for this one.
I think we can hold a draw here. Without Jonas, benfica havent looked amazing. Im worried about BdC ********in with the players before the game though
Too early for this match in the season, especially with the squad not even set yet. Hoping for a good fight from the guys and a positive result.
We probably won't take too many risks at the start. But I think Peseiro in the 2nd half would launch Jovane, Raphinha, maybe even Diaby for speed on the counter.
Peseiro confirmed that Bas Dost is out of the derby. Viviano also not called up again due to injury. New signings Gudelj and Diaby also not called. Castaignos called up... lol GK: Renan, Luís Maximiano, Salin Defenders: Coates, Mathieu, Marcelo, Ristovski, Bruno Gaspar, André Pinto, Jefferson Midfielders: Petrovic; Battaglia, Bruno Fernandes, Acuña, Misic, Wendel Forwards: Montero, Castaignos, Nani, Raphinha, Matheus Pereira, Jovane
In spite of all the problems, SCP has a chance since Benfica is kind of under-performing and in a derby anything can happen.
Mathieu is out, a last minute muscular injury means he won't play today... EDIT: Starting Line-ups Salin Ristovski, Coates, Pinto, Jefferson; Bruno Fernandes, Battaglia, Acuna; Nani, Montero, Raphinha Looks like Acuna will start in midfield.
This is the first Sporting game in years that I've had with English commentary. It's terrible, but at least it's not covered by Benfica TV
Yes watching on GolTV Very positive start from us. Good chances from Montero and Acuna. Boys look pumped
Halftime 0-0 Montero's play there defined the half. 3 players to pick out in the box and he crosses it to the 1 benfica defender. Relatively even half, really positive start, then Benfica had 10 good minutes where Salin stepped up. We've looked good on the counter but our final ball is lacking. Midfield duo of Battaglia and acuna has been good. Bruno fernandes has been anonymous, and Jefferson is just not good enough. Most of Benficas attacks go through there.