SM
Inter Milan vs. Como: 2 hrs 10 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
B
- | -
May 15, 2013 at 7.45pm UK
 
CL

1-2

Preview: Benfica vs. Chelsea

:Headline: Preview: Benfica vs. Chelsea: ID:84227: from db_amp
Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Europa League final between Benfica and Chelsea in Amsterdam.

Chelsea will attempt to secure European silverware for the second successive season when they clash with Portuguese outfit Benfica in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday.

Benfica overcame the challenge of Fenerbahce in the semi-finals, losing the first leg 1-0 in Turkey before securing a 3-1 win on their own patch to book their spot in the final of the competition.

It was more comfortable for the Premier League outfit, however, with Chelsea winning 2-1 in Switzerland against Basel before securing a 3-1 victory at home in their semi-final tie.

Despite winning 23 of their 29 matches in their domestic league this season, Benfica remarkably trail leaders Porto by one point, who were victorious when the pair clashed at the weekend. It has been an impressive season for Benfica, however, losing just five times in all competitions.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have recovered from an indifferent middle part of the season to all but secure third position in the league table and a place in the Champions League next season. However, there will be a change of manager at the club with Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho odds-on to replace Rafael Benitez at the end of the campaign.

The two sides met in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, with Chelsea winning 1-0 in Portugal before claiming a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge to book a last-four spot against Barcelona.

Benfica have no fresh injury concerns from their defeat to Porto at the weekend, but Oscar Cardozo is expected to return to the side after a late appearance from the bench. Andre Almeida is expected to shake off an injury but should he fail to recover, then Roderick will be handed a place in the team.

Nemanja Matic, a reported target for Manchester United, should also start in the middle of midfield against his former club. Meanwhile, the much-coveted Nicolas Gaitan will join Eduardo Salvio and Lima in attack.

Chelsea could be without skipper John Terry, who limped out of their 2-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. However, the former England defender was not expected to start, with Gary Cahill and former Benfica defender David Luiz forming a pair at the heart of the defence.

Victor Moses is also pushing for a start having enjoyed a successful season in Europe, but the former Wigan Athletic winger is expected to be named on the bench with Brazilian Oscar coming into the team to form a three-pronged attack with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard.

Recent form:

Benfica: LWWDL

Chelsea: WWWDW

Possible lineups:

Benfica: Artur; Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Almeida; Matic, Perez; Gaitan, Lima, Salvio; Cardozo

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres

Sports Mole says: 2-2 (Chelsea to win on penalties)


amp_article__84227 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2013-05-13 22:30:37:
html db last update - 2013-05-13 22:30:37 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .