...... Date: Friday August 11 Time: 8:30 p.m. Local Time | 3:30 p.m. ET | 10:30 a.m. PT Location: Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon Television: Sport TV 1 Acestream: ArenaVision 13 Web Stream: TBD
I wonder if we roll out the same lineup with Bruno Fernandes behind Dost or if we go more traditional with Podence beside him. Maybe Doumbia gets a look up front? Champions League playoff is just a few days later so it will be interesting to see what we do here. I think it'll be the same XI as Sunday with some quick subs if the game is in hand.
I hope Bruno doesn't start behind Dost again, but after hearing the coach's explanation on why he started BF over Podence in that position, I think we will see just that. JJ said that Podence has more speed and dribbling skill but still lacks "substance"; where BF has more substance as he's a better passer, better vision and a good shooter from outside the box - he "thinks" the game better. He said Podence made the different as an impact sub last match and we may see more of that in the next few games. My only other doubt is how well Ristovski trains this week - the player has already played a few league matches and CL preliminary games so he's physically ready; if he can assimilate the coach's ideas quickly I wouldn't be surprised if he actually starts on Friday ahead of Piccini. William is out of the first leg CL game through suspension so he will definitely play on Friday with Battaglia playing in the CL.
Pre-match press conference: - JJ admits he may not play William due to a "shoulder" problem and also since he is out in the 1st leg vs Steaua due to suspension, its an opportunity to try a different midfield combo (hopefully Adrien deeper and BF at #8) - Ristovski not called for tomorrow - coach says he's physically fit but isn't gelled with the team and coach's ideas yet
Didn't think Ristovski would be ready to go, which is too bad, could've given Piccini rest for Tuesday.
Looks like William not starting, JJ said he had a shoulder issue, I'm thinking it might be related to a potential sale.
Yeah it's definitely interesting timing to pick up an injury. And he's out from the first leg anyway so it's not like you could say we're resting William as well. Who knows though maybe he is hurt lol but of course it raises speculation given the news. I figure he's gone myself, but would assume it would happen after the second leg.
Looks like Dost, Podence Acuna, Adrien, Gelson, Battaglia Jonathan, Matthieu, Coates, Piccini Patricio
William and Coentrao not even on the bench. Otherwise a good line-up. Battaglia in for William, BF is on the bench - kinda sucks but I'd rather see Podence anyways and we can sub Adrien off in 2nd half since he's still not 100%
HT 0-0 Not much to say. Tons of possession, lots of pressure, but very little creativity in the final 3rd. Team needs a shakeup up front
Wow JJ actually playing the Double D... we need two strikers against this bus parked in front of the setubal net Oh Lord Bruno cesar