Marco Silva surprises with seven changes in Benfica lineup vs Gil Vicente

Portuguese manager Marco Silva made significant alterations to the starting XI for this Thursday's Taça da Liga quarter-final match against Gil Vicente, prioritizing his team's focus on the Primeira Liga and UEFA Europa League. The updated squad features Trubin at goalkeeper alongside defenders Dahl, Circati, Lenglet, El Karouani in midfield roles including a surprising left-back position, Palhinha ahead of Sudakov, with Echeverri leading an attack composed of Lukebakio, Schjelderup, and Jhon Durán. While Gil Vicente relied on Samuel Portugal at goal and experienced defenders Espigares, Buatu, David Moreira, Ricardo Esgaio, Santi García, Zé Carlos, Guilherme, Murilo, Kaba, and Gil Martins to field their side, Silva noted the quality of his opponents during yesterday's press conference despite acknowledging that the Allianz Cup is not the primary objective. Key changes include Durán replacing Anísio Cabral due to disciplinary proceedings against the latter following a red card in the Youth League match with Santa Clara, while Palhinha took over from Manu Silva and Sudakov moved deeper behind Echeverri compared to his performance last week.