Janne HChelsea FC (4-2-3-1) Benfica (4-2-3-1)

Chelsea vs Benfica. The game with high expetations from Chelsea fans. Everyone wants to see Chelsea to win Benfica with ease but i dont think this draw will be easy one.

Benfica is a team with high quality players. They have skillfull Aimar leading their middfield and powerfull striker Cardozo who has scored 86goals in 128matches. Our defense must be solid when they attack with Nolito, Witsen and Gaitan in wings. These players will pressure our wingbacks. Cole and Luiz will need all the possible help they can get from Lamps Ramires and Essien.

What we will need to do to win this game?

We need to press high, stop their fast attacks and change the pressure directly and fast to their end. We need to move ball fast from our WB to our wingers and forward. Torres, Mata and Sturridge needs to keep the ball in our attacking zone. We cannot affort to loose the ball easily. If we play with higher def.line there is a big risk that their fast wingers will run our defenders down. Its important that our midfield players hold their posession and defend tireless. Lampard and Ramires must win their battles in the middle and i think then we will hold the key to the victory. Essien will definetly focus to his job to cover our defensive line but i want to see the same work rate from Lampard and Ramires too. Lamps hasnt been at his best in last games and i think it would be better if Ramires would take a bit more defensive role. Lampard is best when he has more freedom to go forward.

I see our best chances in solid defensive play and effective counter attacks. Torres is good player when we need to defence cause he always tracks down the opponent next to him and he is a natural target player. He has been good in recent weeks and we should give him a go tonight.

27.03.2012