Benfica vs Chelsea - 27th March

Benfica knocked out the Russian team Zenit St Petersburg in the last round 4-3 on Aggregate.

Chelsea who lost their 1st leg in Italy against Napoli 3-1 fought back in style at Stamford Bridge to win the 2nd leg 4-1.

Any comments or predictions?

Hopefully, the Blues will play much better than in their last few PL games.
I do not mean to make any excuses, but current Chelseaīs schedule is not something to whoop about.

2-0 Benfica

Thanks for your valuable opinion.
I would rather see Chelsea to pop one in Lisbon though.
Even a tie will be greatly appreciated, by me.

The Blues are the only PL team left playing Champions.
I believe in my team, to advance further.
The team has all the ability to play a very good game tonight.
Just pop one in, baby & come home.
Win, tie or lose. Just do not get bombed by 3 goals.

a draw for this one is expected in my opinion...

I will take it.

Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Essien, Lampard, Sturridge, Mata, Ramires, Drogba are ready to pop some in.

The show must go on, to the semis.

A draw or Benfica just shading it. Chelsea to edge past at home.

Thatīs it.
Just one scored goal in Lisbon for the Blues & they take care of them in London, I feel.

I wish Lampard would shut his fat mouth.
He has the audacity to claim CHelsea are weaker than previous teams ,when we have to watch his fat ass desperately trying to keep up with the play. He is tone of the reason's why Benfica will have an easier go of it ,if he start this game. They will toy with that fat f*ck all day , it's like putting a land rover in a F1 race. I don't think di matteo has the courage to do what's right and keep lampard on the bench ,a she will need quicker players in that area. NOt even sure if i would start Essien on his current form either ,he'll try to hard and maybe pick up a red card.

The mid field being where the game will be won and lost ,would say Chelsea will have to start Ramires , Mikel (holding) and MAta . DRogba and Sturridge (as much as i detest the kids personality) Kalou or Malouda on the wings A.Cole and Bosingwa left and right backs. Ivanovich if 100% Luiz if not with Terry.

If they line up this way i predict a 3-1 chelsea win.

Of course the Blues are weaker this year. When teams like Arsenal or Spurs are ahead of them, that alone is an indication the team is not playing well. The end of the story, I might add.
As for Lampard he is still valuable player, as was seen against Napoli.

He should start, be there for at least 65 minutes.

A land rover in an F1 race, I dont think it can be said any better!

What did Lampard earn you in open play against Napoli?
ABsolutely nothing! two set plays that were created by others one a free kick or corner kick that was put very nicely on the head of a chelsea player and a penalty that should not be his to take based on stats because DRogba is superior at that.

So you got a player on the pitch against Benfica who offers you nothing creatively in open play, that my friend is carrying excess baggage. I told you to watch Lampard about a week ago and judge his performance based on my complaints and he's been sh!t each game out. Player's like him ruin team chemistry ,because they got heroic status on the terraces by neanderthal fans! He is a master manipulator of terrace politics ,and he's basically mugging them off because that's what they deserve.

Since you are bias, there is no point in arguing here.
Lampard is still valuable player for the Blues & will start the game, tonight.
Stick to your Arsenal we both be better off.

Breaking news

RDM has left Lampard out of the starting line up.

Will post the teams shortly.

Line ups

Benfica:
1-Artur Moraes; 14-Maxi Pereira, 4-Luisao, 33-Jardel, 3-Emerson; 28-Axel Witsel, 6-Javi Garcia, 20-Nicolas Gaitan, 8-Bruno Cesar; 10-Pablo Aimar, 7-Oscar Cardozo.

Subs - Eduardo, Nolito, Nelson Oliveira, Rodrigo Moreno, Matic, Miguel Vitor, Saviola...

Chelsea:
1-Petr Cech; 19-Paulo Ferreira, 4-David Luiz, 26-John Terry, 3-Ashley Cole; 12-John Obi Mikel, 7-Ramires, 16-Raul Meireles; 10-Juan Mata; 9-Fernando Torres, 21-Salomon Kalou.

Subs - Turnbull, Essien, Lampard, Drogba, Bosingwa, Sturridge, Cahill...

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento (Italy).

Pretty defensive from RDM might just give Benfica a shot in the arm.

I am surprised to see that line-up, I must add.
Ferriera who has not played for ages, Mikel & Kalou...?
perhaps, Di went nuts ?

We have to wait & see, whether they can play for a tie.
Certainly, it looks like a very defensive set-up.

Hardly any offensive play so far.
As they say, not much to write home about.

well, this is what i actually expected so far - avarege display from both sides with scanty chances to score.
the tie might well end with boring 0-0 at benfica and spectacular home win by chelsea...