League: the probable starting lineups for Santa Clara=Benfica

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Aursnes is unavailable and Barrenechea could return to the Eagles’ midfield.

Santa Clara and Benfica face off this Friday, in the opening match of the 22nd round of the Liga, and Mourinho is expected to bring back two players to the starting lineup for Benfica.

Given Aursnes’ absence, the midfield could consist of Leandro Barreiro and Enzo Barrenechea, with the Argentinian having played in the Eagles’ victory against Alverca (2-1). Further up the field, Sudakov should also return to the coach’s starting lineup, taking the position that Rafa occupied in the last league game.

Remember that Benfica will play against Real Madrid next Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League play-off for access to the Round of 16, and Mourinho may make some rotations in the team. 

On the other side, Petit is not expected to make major changes to the starting eleven that lost away to Estrela da Amadora. Up front, Wendel Silva should be dropped from the squad, replaced by Gonçalo Paciência, with Gabriel Silva and Vinícius Lopes playing on the wings.