Benfica faces a decisive week with two important games: the debut in the Europa League against Milan on Wednesday, followed by the visit to Porto on Sunday for a crucial clash in the fight for the Liga Portugal title. The proximity between the two matches raises questions about coach Marco Silva's team management.
Commentator Hugo Vasconcelos, in an article in newspaper A Bola, advised the coach to take advantage of the European debut to give the main players a rest, not only due to the proximity of the classic against Porto, but also due to the need to manage the squad.
Vasconcelos suggested an alternative formation that includes goalkeeper Trubin, defenders Duarte Soares, Manu Silva, Circati and El Karouani, midfielders Barrenechea, Sudakov, Lukebakio and Echeverri, and forwards Kaminski and Jhon Durán. The commentator acknowledges that these players have never played together before, but considers the eleven interesting.
Bah's absence limits the team's options, forcing the use of Duarte Soares as right-back. The player was born in Germany and usually plays for the Eagles' B team, thus representing an unusual option in the starting eleven.
