Benfica build-up

[Chris]

but they're not a skilful footballing side.

That looks exactly what they are to me. Everytime ive seen them they're loaded with pace, attack relentlessly and have a lot of craft going forward. Cardozo looks a cart horse but then he's basically only there to stand in the penalty area anyway.

[TheElephantMan]

That looks exactly what they are to me. Everytime ive seen them they're loaded with pace, attack relentlessly and have a lot of craft going forward. Cardozo looks a cart horse but then he's basically only there to stand in the penalty area anyway.

I didn't mean that in a disrespectful way, but they're not exactly Barcelona or Arsenal. If we attack them then they should worry more about us than we should worry about them.

[Montana]

Gotta get an away goal and hopefully a score draw but you never know we might just surprise everybody with a win. Torres is on fire!

[SB]

We're more than capable of demolishing them. I would go all out attack in this game - Benfica might have outplayed Everton, but they're not a skilful footballing side. Play to our strengths and we can brush them aside, show them respect and we'll come unstuck.

Totally agree

[Fan65]

Our 'on form' status still includes being ****e away from home.

And Benfica are clear at the top of their league, very strong at home and full of confidence, not to mention several very good players like Di Maria, Javi Garcia, Cardozo, Ramires, Sidnei, Aimar and Saviola.

They sit 6 points clear at the top of the Portugese league, with a home record of 12 games played, 11 wins and 1 draw. No home defeats.

They're well supported at their 65,000 Stadium of Light and winning there is no easy feat, especially with our shoddy away performances.

I'd be more than content with a score draw.

And they beat Everton easily, no mean feat lately.

Away draw would be great. Nicking one would be perfect.

[Craig_H]

Cant believe how dismissive people are being of Benfica in their own ground

Disrespectful in the extreme.

[Slim]

A real mix of opinions on here between people who think we'll demolish them and those who reckon it could be a tough game. Have to say I am in the latter camp, although that may be down to my usual pessimism.

The couple of times I have seen Benfica in this competition I have been impressed. They are technically excellent and have some excellent individual players who can create something out of nothing. Over the two legs I expect us to prevail, but I don't think it will be easy tomorrow night.

[Shaggy]

There is no way we'll demolish them at their place.

[dww]

I'm with Slim and Craig there really is no evidence to suggest that Benfica will be push overs and we haven't been in good enough form at any point this season to take anyone lightly.

[Slim]

There is no way we'll demolish them at their place.

I'm with Slim and Craig there really is no evidence to suggest that Benfica will be push overs and we haven't been in good enough form at any point this season to take anyone lightly.

I think they will be full of confidence for this game. No doubt they will look at our season and our lack of consistency and think they have a great chance, and who could blame them.

As I said before, I expect us to win over the two legs, but some of the comments earlier in the thread about winning easily tomorrow night seem wildly optimistic to me.

[dww]

In a way it is the exact sort of tie that Rafa excels in. I would have us as favourites but I still feel we lack the sort of lieutenants on the field that would give me complete faith. If Lucas starts I think how well he plays will be key for us.

[Kenneth]

Still find it hard to care, it's the 'Europa League'

[SB]

Still find it hard to care, it's the 'Europa League'

Reality check isn't it

[red g]

Still find it hard to care, it's the 'Europa League'

get used to it

[-V-]

Quite shocked to see people actually think we'll have an easy game over there LOL