Samuel Soares is expected to make his goalkeeping debut for Benfica in their match against Boavista on Saturday.  Anatoliy Trubin, who will be starting no league games for the first time, will be replaced by the 22-year-old academy graduate.

A Bola claims that the goalie change was prearranged.  The coaching staff decided to give Soares playing time in Saturday’s match because he is also anticipated to play in the Portuguese Cup quarterfinals against Braga on Wednesday.

 Samuel Soares has participated in four games this season: three for the first squad in the Portuguese Cup and one for Benfica B in League 2.

Trubin, the team’s most used player with 3,150 minutes played in 35 games, needs to take a break, which is another factor in the decision.

 Just so you know, Benfica will play Braga on February 26 and Boavista on February 22.