Benfica will play against Manchester United on September 18 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. They have struggled this season in the Champions League, losing both of their matches. In the Champions League, they are the last team in Group A with zero points.

Benfica lost their opening two games against CSKA Moscow by 1-2 and against Basel by 5-0. However, there are four group stage matches yet to be played before any team qualifies for the round-of-16. They have a chance to improve their performance and break into last-16 in the Champions League.

Manchester United have been doing well this season under Jose Mourinho, unlike their last season.

They are performing impressively in the Premier League as well as in the Champions League. They haven’t lost any match in the elite tournaments. However, the Red Devils, especially the boss, was heavily criticized by the United fans on last Saturday after a goalless draw against their arch-rival Liverpool.

The fans had expected a massive win against Liverpool, given that Man United won many matches this campaign with high goal scoring margins. But after an underperformance and defensive game, the fans filled with rage as they saw United dropping two points and trailing their local rivals, Man City, by two goals on the points table.

What to expect?

Benfica might look weak by stats, but they have the caliber to stun United and snatch three crucial points.

Man United are on the top of the group already with six points. United’s still struggling with their defensive problems as they lack their key defenders.

According to Manchester Evening News, United’s key defenders, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw were seen with the traveling squad to Lisbon. Both players were injured for a long time.

But watching them playing against Benfica can be the best thing for a United fan.

Marcos Rojo is unlikely to be featured as he’s not fully fit yet, but he could be included in the substitutes. There’re high chances that Luke Shaw will play as United have been struggling with their left-back position. Jose has Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian to play in the position but their crossing accuracy and individual skills are dreadful.

Luke Shaw’s comeback will dearly benefit the Red Devils.

Line-up predictions

Benfica manager, Rui Vitoria, can make few changes from their last draw against Maritimo in the Primeira Liga. He can pick Gabriel Barbosa and drop Fejsa. Most of the players are fit to be featured against United.

Benfica

  • GK: Julio Cesar
  • Defense: Almeida, Luisao, Jardel, Grimaldo
  • Midfield: Salvio, Krovinovic, Barbosa, Cervi
  • Attack: Jonas, Jimenez

Jose Mourinho will probably make changes as his team will face Huddersfield Town in the Premier League after two days of this game. Smalling and Lindelof can replace regular starters, Bailly and Jones. Luke Shaw can make his comeback as he made an appearance in United’s under-23 team last Sunday.

Having played most of the previous games, Valencia can be rested

Manchester United

  • GK: Sergio Romero
  • Defense: Darmian, Smalling, Lindelof, Shaw
  • Midfield: Mata, Herrera, Matic
  • Attack: Mkhitaryan, Lukaku, Rashford
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