SL Benfica readies the game against Maritimo in a few hours with a shot at climbing into second place of the Portuguese League.  After a stoppage of two weeks in Portuguese League play, Maritimo came into this week in second place one point up on Benfica.

Since Sporting already played and tied in an away game against Nacional, Benfica has the chance to move into second place with a home win against Maritimo.

Typically Benfica is very strong at home, and if I am not mistaken was actually the best team at home last year.  But this year Benfica has only one win and two ties at Stadium of Light.  Maritimo is traditionally not a strong team away from Madeira, but this year is off to a very strong start with only one loss at leader Porto.  The team is however coming off two ties for Portuguese League play.

SL Benfica will be without injured Nuno Gomes, Petit, Nelson, David Luiz and Nuno Assis.  This last one I won´t miss.  In relation to the mid-week win against Celtic, Edcarlos should come into the starting line-up to replace Katsouranis who will move to his regular spot at mid-field.  I would also expect that Di Maria move into the starting line-up since Nuno Assis is not available.  Again Freddy Adu is expected to be on the bench but with a strong possibility of coming in the game should Benfica need offensive help.