The Europa League clash between Benfica and Steven Gerrard’s Rangers is the main subject in the Portuguese media today.
Following the Eagles’ unexpected 3-0 win defeat to Boavista at the weekend, manager Jorge Jesus is now expected to make some changes in the team in an attempt to bounce back against the Scottish Premiership club.
As a contrast, Rangers go into the match top of the league having beaten Kilmarnock 1-0 at the weekend thanks to a James Tavernier penalty.
In his press conference last night, the coach pointed out Benfica currently have a large squad which allows him to rotate players and bring some ‘freshness’ to the team for the Rangers match.
Record claims that defender Jardel should start tonight, with the other option being disputed by Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen. The outlet considers the former Tottenham player likelier to be picked by Jorge Jesus.
They predict that Julian Weigl, Rafa Silva, Diogo Gonçalves and Haris Seferovic should all get in the starting team as Jesus looks to outsmart Gerrard, while the manager would drop Gabriel, Everton, Pizzi and Darwin Nunez.
Benfica had four players injured: Alex Grimaldo, Jean-Clair Todibo, Pedrinho and André Almeida. The first two trained normally on Wednesday, and although they could be included in the match-day squad, it’s a little unlikely they’d start tonight.
Meanwhile, Pedrinho remains out after a foot fracture and Almeida isn’t coming back this season following a knee surgery.
Newspaper O Jogo points out that both clubs are holding interesting records which could be broken tonight. Benfica haven’t lost at home in 23 matches, while Rangers are unbeaten in the 18 games they played this season.
