And now that Ronaldo and friends are almost through to the Euro 2016 competition in France, we can all focus our attention to Portugal's most important team SL Benfica. Match day #4 takes place this Friday September 11, 2015 as SL Benfica host CF Belenenses. Benfica are looking for their third victory of the season, and Belenenses although have not suffered a loss yet, they are also win-less after drawing all three of their games in the 2015-16 Liga NOS.
It is true that we have not yet seen a dominant Benfica this season. Matchday #1 did see a 4-1 victory over Estoril, a controversial 1-0 loss in Aveiro to Arouca, and a 3-2 victory over Moreirense. In a recent interview with ABola, Benfica President LFV, he mentions how he is confident in coach Rui Vitoria and that the results will come. It is unfortunate that we (Benfica) were not able to get 1 or 2 more players during the summer transfer market (Lazar Markovic, and Fabio Coentrao or Ansaldi) but there were still some great additions to the squad and of course there is plenty of depth. No need to panic yet Benfica Nation.
Coach Rui Vitoria is looking at alternative options for this friday as some of Benfica's main starters (Eliseu, João Teixeira, Ederson, Fejsa, Mitroglou, Samaris, Raúl Jiménez e Gaitán) are coming off international duty and may not be in full form. Benfica fans are expecting to see the debut of Adel Taarabt who most definitely may not start but is a possible option to come off the bench. The 26 year old Moroccan International upon his arrival at The Seixal seemed fatigued or out of shape and had to undergo weight loss training until he was deemed fit to play (now?) Mehdi Carcela-González is an option on the right wing since Ola John has departed on loan to Reading. More then likely since he is coming off an injury he may come off the bench as a sub at some point in the game. Finally, Benfica's "Batman" Jardel is also rumoured to make his return to the squad this weekend. There is no doubt that he has a lot to offer but not be ready to take the starting spot beside Luisao as Lisandro has had some decent performances so far this season.
During this week's training, Coach Vitoria has also included such junior players as; Defenders João Nunes, 19, and João Lima, 19, forwards Hildeberto Pereira, 19,and Oliver Sarkic, 18.18 year old midfielder Joao Carvalho is currently a well discussed name at The Seixal. He has also been rumoured to be included sooner rather then later to Benfica's main squad. Coach Vitoria mentioned at the beginning of the season that if the youth players are working hard for the B Team and Juniors that there will be an opportunity available for them to prove themselves on Benfica's main squad.
Benfica B will host Academica Viseu this saturday at 12:00 (BTV) and Benfica Juniors will be playing away to Oeiras.
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