The O'Classico in Portugal ended in grief for the Glorioso when teenage Brazilian, Kelvin Oliveira came on to score what would be the winning goal for the Dragons of Porto at the Dragao. That goal condemned Benfica to its 1st defeat since September and all but ended their hopes of winning the League. Tonight at the Amsterdam ArenA, it is redemption time for the Aguilas who cannot afford to lose their 7th European final in a row. A tragic sequence.
Chelsea are on a roll at the moment. They are setting some records and breaking others. Frank Lampard has been at the fore front of all these. His record equalling and record breaking goals came at the weekend against Aston Villa at a time when the club needed them most. Officially now, he's the blues highest ever goal scorer with 203 goals, breaking the previous record held by Bobby Tambling (202). Despite the shuffling and changing, the Englishman stuck to his objective of not only breaking the goal scoring record, but helping the pensioners qualify for the Champions League next season and also win a trophy. Aim one has been reached. Aim two is tonight at Ajax's stadium. The news that Eden Hazard is OUT for tonight's battle is a major spanner in the works for the West London outfit. John Terry is also a huge doubt for the game. Fernando Torres is set to continue in his role as the main striker, since Demba Ba is ineligible because he has turned out for Newcastle in this same tournament. David Luiz has been almost irreplaceable this campaign. His wonderful goals home and away v Basel ensured Chelsea's place in tonight's showpiece final. He has been one of his team's top performers. Spanish wizard, Juan Manuel Mata has once again been exceptional this campaign. His intelligence and game winning masterclass will be needed again on this big day for the club. Goalkeeper, Peter Cech has vowed never to play in the Europa League again..He wouldn't throw his winners medal away anyway.
Benfica edged out Fenerbahce in the semi-finals thanks to Oscar Cardozo's double at the Luz. The Paraguayan has scored 6 goals in his last 10 appearances v English opposition and will be called upon to fire his team to glory. Brazilian striker, Lima has scored many important goals for the encarnados as the season has progressed. His opener at the Dragao last weekend was his 16th in 25 League games. He has to be watched. Benfica also have Nicolas Gaitan in their ranks. The Argentine playmaker is the brain of the team..When he's on...a lot of harm can be inflicted upon any adversary.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS (BENFICA)-
Arthur, Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Melgarejo, Perez, Matic, Salvio, Gaitan, Lima, CARDOZO
The back four of the Portuguese side consists of seasoned professionals such as Luisao and Garay who have played in many big European games. They have the experience and clout to fend off any threat that comes their way. Nemanja Matic is a former Chelsea player and will want to get one over the side than sent him to Portugal unceremoniously.
The Eagles have played twice more European games (362) than their opponents (181) and are contesting their 9th European Final tonight
CHELSEA-
Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill (assuming Terry doesn't make it), Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Oscar, MATA, Moses, TORRES
David Luiz and Ramires know all about Benfica...both Brazilians plied their trade(s) before transferring to West London.
You might have expected Frank Lampard to start this game after his heroics at Villa Park on Saturday. However, Mr Benitez is the Spanish version of Claudio Ranieri in terms of tinkering his squad. Only people like Ramires, Cole, Luiz, Cech, and Azpi are certain of a place in every team sheet he submits before a match. The others have to make do with playing one match and sitting out the very next. It has been so for the last 45 games and it isn't about to change tonight. Rafa is sweating over the fitness of John Terry. If the skipper fails to make it, Gary Cahill will start instead. Victor Moses has been scoring for fun in the Europa League and is assured of a place in the Starting 11 tonight..even more so now that Hazard is unavailable. Juan Mata will of course be used from the off.
Chelsea are looking to become only the 4th club to win all 3 UEFA MAJOR CLUB COMPETITIONS after tonight's Stadium owners, Ajax, Juventus and 2013 Champions League aspirants, Bayern Munich. The blues are also aiming to become the first team to win the Champions League and Europa League/UEFA CUP in successive years.
The sides met last season in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League with Chelsea winning both legs (1-0, 2-1). Today is all or nothing.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
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