We caught up with OurLFC's man in Portugal Johan Martens.. To get the lowdown on Benfica in the build up to the Champions League Quarter-Final. Here he discusses some key questions..
What Can We Expect From Benfica..?
Benfica usually line up in a 4-4-2 formation and like to play down the wings a lot. They can also be quite dangerous from free kicks. In particular Grimaldo.. The atmosphere in the stadium can be electric. Even more so when Benfica take the lead and the fans really get behind their team. It can feel quite intimidating.
How Are They Doing In The league..?
Benfica currently sit 3rd in the Primeira Lisa. They suffered their 5th loss of the season 3-2 on Friday night to Sporting Braga in a near top of the table clash. They trail the leaders FC Porto who we & Luis Diaz know very well by 12 points.. Porto also have a game in hand..
Benfica's Strengths… And Weaknesses.?
Strengths.. Attack.. They have some real class in attack with players such as Rafa, Everton, Yaremchuk and the very much in demand Darwin Nunes..
Weaknesses.. They are pretty slow in Defence.. Their 2 Center Backs we also know very well from their time in the Premier League. Otamendi & Vertonghen.. They obviously have the class and experience but their legs aren't what they used to be so could be targeted. They could really struggle against our counter attacks.
Star Players..?
I know people are talking about Nunes who is a great finisher.. but for me Rafa is a major threat with his pace and trickery. The goal keeper Vlachodimos is pretty solid and is hard to beat at times. Also as discussed earlier left back Grimaldo can be very dangerous from free kicks..
Should OurLFC Qualify..?
Yes.. In all honesty they are not in Porto's league let alone Liverpools. I can see a 5-0 type of aggregate result. I know anything can happen in cup ties but Liverpool should qualify quite comfortably. Diaz in particular should be a threat against them he knows them very well.
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