Closed Benfica vs Chelsea

[francozola 2,040]

This strange starting XI has actually made me more optimistic! Didn't think Di Matteo would drop Lampard, Essien and Drogba. Really fair play to him.

Essiens been awful these last few weeks. Drogba pathetic against Spurs while Torres has at least seemed enthusiastic. Meireles isn't as bad as he is made out to be. With Mikel alongside him he'll be more comfortable (I hope)

[Beirut_Blues 306]

Can't for the life of me understand why Romeu still isnt getting any playing time but regardless..

who do you all think should've been included in the starting XI?

Ya where's Romeu and why isn't he playing anymore??

[Laylabelle 9,298]

Whenever see Ferreira's name in a line up do think eeeek!Then he tends to go out and have a great peformance so hopfully..one of those cases!

[GodZola 630]

Bizarre, really. Hope it pays off.

Couldn't agree more, a definite gamble but fingers crossed..........

[Kostas 1,468]

Not a fan of the starting line-up but it certainly shows balls. Not sure we can afford such displays in the CL. After-all "big" experience players have gotten us this far in the CL.

[Ollie 4,400]

What the fuck is that line up all about? Fuck me sideways i like Ferreira but when is the last time he even played and he's not exactly 25 anymore or quick. This is a UCL quarter final. Mikel? Meireles? KALOU!? Oh my fu... meh shit.

Gutsy anyway, let's hope is somehow does a job.

[Slam Dunk 1,442]

Ya where's Romeu and why isn't he playing anymore??

He was injured for a little while, he then contracted a virus, which I think he has recovered from. Not too sure why he isn't anywhere to be seen recently to be honest.

I hope this team proves me wrong, because I'm not full of confidence at this moment in time.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Hope we lose 2-1.

I say this because a loss tonight means a big atmosphere and more effort in the return leg. I fear doing well tonight makes us complacent at SB.

[Wavy Crockett 190]

who are we supposed to play then? Frank, Didier, Michael?

I DONT RATE THEM

even though we don't exactly pose a huge attacking threat we played a similar lineup against Leicester and managed to score 5 (NOT COMPARING LEICESTER TO BENFICA)

[CHOULO19 24,332]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_fPhOtBd3U&feature=g-u-u&context=G25b5b47FUAAAAAAABAA

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Jamie Redknapp is a complete dick. Robbie has dropped the same players that AVB did against Napoli, yet Redknapp is now going on the idea of frshness and says Drogba and Lampard will play next game. What a dick.

[Laylabelle 9,298]

Did look at the line up and think hmmm but then again we dont seem to have a set strong team anymore really...change is good though may not be the best game to do it in but hopfully be a risk that pay off

[HNKS 508]

Cant fault the lineup....only so much you can do. We saw what Drogba and Lampard did against Tottenham. 5th place flatters our squad.

[chrismada9 1,948]

I agree with LDN Blue, I think a defeat in Lisbon would give us an incentive to perform with more gusto in the second leg, like what happened against Napoli.. the real problem, is that some of the players will be tired going into the domestic games and we would lose our touch in the chase for the Champions League places.. I honestly believe it's important to chase for a top 4 finish, even though it seems impossible because I truly believe that whether we get either Barcelona or Milan in the semi-finals, with our overall form, I think we will flunk against them! Though I truly hope Chelsea can prove me wrong!

[King11Didier 916]

[Rambo 1,729]

saw the Luiz pre-game interview, his english got a lot better!

[chrismada9 1,948]

I wonder what reception Ramires and Luiz will get when they make the return! Hopefully a positive one

[Jusek 2,031]

Good looking stream here, in English:

http://nutjob.eu/