Closed Chelsea vs Benfica

[zolayes 14,489]

Optimistic think we will win tonight.....

[Jase 43,479]

I think Torres has to start tonight. He's on a roll and there should be no reason why the momentum has to be halted. Drogba just picked up an injury last weekend. No point risking him tonight. Wrap him around the cotton wool and unleash him on either Wigan or Fulham.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

[Jase 43,479]

Lineup: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, David Luiz, Ramires, Lampard, Torres, Mata, Mikel, Kalou, Terry ©.

Just 2 changes from the 1st leg. Lampard & Ivanovic replaces Meireles and Ferreira.

[Term-X 7,891]

Watch them score first and give us a shock, hopefully we'll have enough to seal the tie.

More of the same from Usain Bolt please.

[Jase 43,479]

Benfica XI vs Chelsea: Arthur M Patel J Capdevila Garcia Emerson - Witsel Matic - B Cesar Gaitan Aymara - Cardozo

No FIT CB for Benfica!!

[Sheva. 5,373]

Expected 10 of those 11 to start. Only exception is Kalou, but whatever, C'mon Chelsea!!!

[petr.breu 1,618]

Great lineup...

[diskoviolente 425]

Yes, ITV1 and ITV1 HD.

mint.

[Slam Dunk 1,442]

Would've preferred Sturridge to Kalou, but otherwise the team picks itself.

mint.

Bet you won't be saying that once Adrian Chiles starts to speak...

[Jase 43,479]

Obviously, RDM does not trusts Sturridge defensively.

[Madmax 9,219]

Obviously, RDM does not trusts Sturridge defensively.

He has no reason to. Kalou did a good job defensively in the first leg, shutting down Maxi.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

A bit surprised Danny didn't get the nod. I guess he's a good tactical option on the bench.

[diskoviolente 425]

Would've preferred Sturridge to Kalou, but otherwise the team picks itself.

Bet you won't be saying that once Adrian Chiles starts to speak...

haha true that.

[chrismada9 1,948]

I've gotta watch this and talk to Linda on Skype at the same time.. talk about multitasking! Haha

[diskoviolente 425]

I've gotta watch this and talk to Linda on Skype at the same time.. talk about multitasking! Haha

I am gonna drink delicious gin and tonics, talking about multitasking

[chelsea blue 615]

TEAM NEWS: CHELSEA V BENFICA

Posted on: Wed 04 Apr 2012

Ramires returning in place of Daniel Sturridge wide on the right is the only change from the side that started the win against Aston Villa at the weekend.

David Luiz, who came off in that game, is fit to start. Didier Drogba returns to the bench so Fernando Torres continues to lead the attack.

Benfica have a makeshift central defence with injuries to captain Luisão and Jardel. Emerson, given a tough time at left-back by Ramires in the first leg, moves into the middle and midfielder Javi Garcia drops back as his partner.

Spanish World Cup winner Joan Capdevila comes in at left-back and there is a place in midfield for former Chelsea man Nemanja Matic.

Chelsea will line-up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:

1 Petr Cech

2 Branislav Ivanovic

4 David Luiz

26 John Terry ©

3 Ashley Cole

12 John Mikel Obi

8 Frank Lampard

7 Ramires

10 Juan Mata

21 Salomon Kalou

9 Fernando Torres

Subs: 22 Ross Turnbull, 19 Paulo Ferreira, 24 Gary Cahill, 5 Michael Essien, 16 Raul Meireles, 23 Daniel Sturridge, 11 Didier Drogba.

Benfica are expected to line up in the following 4-3-3 formation:

Artur; Pereira ©, Garcia, Emerson, Capdevila; Witsel, Matic, Bruno César; Aimar, Cardozo, Gaitán.

Subs: Eduardo, Almedia, Nolito, Djalo, Oliveira, Saviola, Rodrigo.

The referee is Domir Skomina from Slovenia.

[Jase 43,479]

With a 34 y/o Capdevilla(although experience) at LB for Benfica, surely Ramires can get the better of him down that flank??