Eduardo Quaresma returns to the right side, Maxi Araújo takes Matheus Reis’ place on the left and young João Simões prepares for his second classic at the age of 18. But there are alternatives that have been prepared in recent days and a lot of new blood in a lineup that will already feature Marcus Edwards
The lion’s mathematical calculations, this season, were almost always to… subtract. A solid but short squad, marked by successive physical problems and injuries (some of them serious) that limited options game after game. Bad luck for some, opportunity for others. Which, of course, would be far from guessing such exposure in its debut year. João Simões is the most obvious case. The midfielder — who was used by Amorim as a left winger — started the season as the 4th option in the center and arrives in the middle of the season as… undisputed. He has just turned 18 and tonight, in Leiria, he is preparing to play the second derby in his career.
An appearance justified by the injuries of Daniel Bragança, Pedro Gonçalves and Morita, this one, it is worth remembering, the last unlucky one on the list of prevented, as BALL advanced exclusively last Thursday. And that allows a new window of opportunity for the young lion in tonight’s duel. Alongside captain Hjulmand, the duo will be tested again today. The entry of João Simões into the Japanese position will not, however, be the only change promoted by Rui Borges.
In goal, and while reinforcement Rui Silva doesn’t arrive, it will be Franco Israel between the posts. No surprise. These changes begin in the defensive quartet. With the return of Eduardo Quaresma to the right side (Fresneda, who is in transit to Italian football, will be the bench’s solution) and Maxi Araújo who, without the injured Matheus Reis, will take the place on the opposite aisle. In the defensive axis, at first, nothing new, with Diomande and St. Just stay on the front line.
-Check out Sporting’s likely lineup
In the middle, it will be João Simões and Hjulmand in the middle, while the wings will be in charge of the usual suspects: Geny Catamo (the anti-eagles formula, as he already has three goals against the red-black rival) and Quenda (the best friend, read assistant, by Gyokeres). The front duo, this one, has no competition, with Trincão (even worn out), supporting the Swede.
Leonine coach previewed the classic against Benfica, the final of the League Cup, which will be played this Saturday, at 7:45 pm, at the Municipal Stadium of Leiria
Add up bills, just one. For a player who, even so, hasn’t counted: Edwards. The English winger has recovered from the flu that kept him away from FC Porto, but was reinstated yesterday and should be one of the solutions from the bench. Just like Alexandre Brito, a 19-year-old midfielder, who yesterday was one of the young people called up to work for the A team.
Related News :