Benfica will be hoping to ensure they seal some silverware this season after losing late against Porto in the league on the weekend, dropping a point below their title rivals with a game to play. As for Chelsea, their win over Aston Villa on Saturday has ensured their place in the Champions League next season.
Benfica vs. Chelsea, 2013 UEFA Europa League final: Preview and TV Schedule
Benfica and Chelsea face off at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday evening, fighting to get their hands on the Europa League trophy.
Harold Cunningham
Chelsea would become the first team to win the Europa League while holding the Champions League if they were to take victory in Amsterdam, and coincidentally faced Benfica last season en route to winning the latter competition. They beat their Portuguese opponents both home and away, knocking them out in the quarter-finals.
For this match, Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has had the luxury of travelling with a fully fit team. Their only early doubt was caused by a thigh problem for Enzo Pérez, though the Argentine midfielder has recovered in time to make the 25-man squad. However, full-back Maxi Pereira is suspended.
Their top goalscorer Óscar Cardozo has scored 16 goals in 24 league games this season, though Ola John was favoured up front in the game against Porto. John returns from a ban to be available for the final. Attacking-midfielder Nicolás Gaitán played just behind him in attack, and will almost definitely be one of the key protagonists here.
Chelsea have more to worry about, with both Eden Hazard and John Terry strongly doubtful. Terry sustained an ankle injury and Hazard a hamstring problem against Aston Villa on the weekend. Both have both been included in the 25-man squad along with John Obi Mikel, who's missed the last four games with a hip injury. Ryan Bertrand is also travelling to Amsterdam despite a knee injury, while Oriel Romeu is included, having not played since December. Demba Ba is cup-tied.
Benfica injuries and suspensions
Out: Maxi Pereira (suspension) In doubt: None
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Demba Ba (cup-tied), Eden Hazard (hamstring). In doubt: John Terry (ankle), John Obi Mikel (hip), Ryan Bertrand (knee), Oriel Romeu (knee)
Match Date\Time: Wednesday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (U.S. English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. Spanish), ITV 1 (U.K), SIC, Sport TV1 (Portugal)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go
More in Soccer:
See More:
