Match Preview for Newcastle v Benfica
Newcastle return to Champions League action this week when they host Benfica at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The Magpies cruised to a 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise last time out and will now look to make it back-to-back wins against a Benfica side still searching for their first points of the campaign
Newcastle earned their place in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, but their return to the competition began with a difficult test against Barcelona.
Despite a spirited performance, they fell to a 2-1 defeat on matchday one, with Anthony Gordon’s goal not enough to cancel out Marcus Rashford’s brace for the visitors.
Eddie Howe’s men responded in style in Brussels, however, dismantling Union SG 4-0 to get their European campaign back on track and boost their hopes of progressing from the league phase.
With upcoming fixtures against strong opponents including Athletic Club, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle will be eager to secure another three points on home soil and strengthen their position in the standings.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League halted a short winning run, but Newcastle remain confident at St James’ Park, where their high intensity and attacking quality often prove too much for visiting sides.
Benfica, meanwhile, claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Chaves in the Taca de Portugal at the weekend, thanks to a goal in each half from Vangelis Pavlidis. The victory ended a brief winless run and gave Jose Mourinho a timely confidence boost ahead of his side’s trip to England.
Since taking charge in September, Mourinho has overseen three wins in six matches across all competitions, but Benfica’s European campaign has started poorly. The Portuguese side fell 3-2 at home to Qarabag on matchday one before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, leaving them bottom of the league phase standings.
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Team news for Newcastle v Benfica
Newcastle are still without several key defenders, with Tino Livramento sidelined for around two months due to a knee injury and Lewis Hall continuing his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Dan Burn is likely to continue at left-back, while Kieran Trippier operates on the right side of defence. Fabian Schar could return to the starting lineup after missing out against Brighton, potentially replacing Malick Thiaw alongside Sven Botman.
Yoane Wissa remains unavailable as he recovers from a knee injury, but Nick Woltemade is expected to start again after scoring a superb goal at the weekend. Gordon, who netted twice against Union SG, should continue in attack.
Joelinton is being monitored after being withdrawn at half-time on Saturday, with Lewis Miley pushing for a starting role following an impressive substitute performance.
Benfica, meanwhile, are without Alexander Bah, Manu Silva and Bruma due to long-term injuries. Mourinho made several changes in the Taca de Portugal win, but key players are expected to return for this fixture.
Anatoliy Trubin will come back in goal, with Nicolas Otamendi and Antonio Silva resuming their centre-back partnership. Richard Rios and Fredrik Aursnes are also set to start in midfield, while Pavlidis continues to lead the line after scoring four goals in his last four appearances.
Expected line-ups for Newcastle v Benfica
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy
Benfica: Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Aursnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis
How to watch Newcastle v Benfica: TV channel, online stream
Newcastle v Benfica will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST. The match can also be streamed live through the discovery+ app or website.
Kick-off at St James’ Park is scheduled for 8pm.
The stats for Newcastle United v Benfica
Newcastle have scored four goals in their last Champions League match and are unbeaten in their previous three European home fixtures
Benfica have lost their last four Champions League matches
Anthony Gordon has scored three goals in this season’s competition, more than any other Newcastle player
Benfica have won just one of their last nine away games in England in European competitions
Newcastle are looking to win consecutive matches in the Champions League for the first time since 2003
Prediction
Newcastle’s home advantage and attacking momentum should give them the edge, even against an experienced Benfica side led by Mourinho.
The visitors are likely to cause problems, but their poor away record in Europe may continue as the Magpies look to secure another valuable three points.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Benfica
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