Benfica Makes Defensive Changes for Europa League Qualifier Against Hearts
Benfica is set to field a significantly altered defensive unit for their Europa League qualifier against Hearts. Several players will make their first starts of the season.
Key takeaways
- Benfica's starting lineup for their match against Hearts features substantial defensive alterations.
- Several players, including Manu Silva and José Neto, are set to make their first starts of the season.
- Four players from the previous match against Académico de Viseu will retain their starting positions.
)
Benfica will feature a reshuffled defense in their upcoming UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second leg match against Hearts. Coach Marco Silva indicated that changes were planned to provide playing time to individuals who joined the team's preparations later.
What Happened
For the match against Hearts at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh, the Benfica starting lineup shows considerable alterations, particularly in defense. Lenglet is the only player to retain his defensive position from a previous match. Amar Dedic, Manu Silva, and José Neto are coming into the starting XI. Manu Silva will play as a central defender for the first time. Gabriel Índio is listed as a substitute.
In addition to the defensive changes, other players will also make their season debuts in the starting lineup. These include Schjelderup, Richard Ríos, Lukebakio, and new signing Durán.
Overall, only four players from Benfica's previous starting eleven against Académico de Viseu are repeating their starting roles: Samuel Soares, Lenglet, Barrenechea, and Sudakov.
Key Facts
- The match is between Hearts and Benfica, scheduled for 19:45.
- The venue for the match is Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh.
- Benfica's defensive quartet has undergone significant changes, with Lenglet being the only returning player.
- Amar Dedic, Manu Silva, and José Neto are entering the starting lineup.
- Manu Silva will start at center-back for the first time for Benfica.
- José Neto, a U17 European and World champion, will make his first start of the season at left-back.
- Gabriel Índio will be on the bench.
- Samuel Soares, Lenglet, Barrenechea, and Sudakov are the only players retaining their starting positions from the match against Académico de Viseu.
- Schjelderup, Richard Ríos, Lukebakio, and Durán will make their first starts of the season.
- The starting lineup for Benfica is Samuel Soares; Dedic, Manu, Lenglet, and José Neto; Barrenechea and Ríos; Lukebakio, Sudakov, and Schjelderup; Durán.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
