Newcastle v Benfica predictions, expected line-up, how to watch and stats

Newcastle have had a rather complicated start to the season so far.

In the Premier League, it’s two wins, three draws and three defeats, the latest loss coming via Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton, which leaves them 13th after the weekend’s games.

This up-and-down form has also been reflected in their Champions League campaign.

Although hardly a shock, disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Barcelona, ​​the Magpies bounced back in style a fortnight later with a 4-0 win over Belgian side St Glios.

That goal difference boost means Eddie Howe’s men are 11th in the 36-team table, second of 13 teams on three points.

It’s a long scroll down the table to find Benfica.

After all, they could end up in 33rd place, one of four teams without a point so far after a stunning 3-2 home loss and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

For bright reading of their domestic league table. makes Benfica are third and unbeaten in eight games (five wins).

And, following his recent appointment, there will be a very familiar face in the opposition dugout at St James’ Park: a certain Jose Mourinho.

How to see and hear

Newcastle v Benfica kicks off at 8pm (UK) at St James’ Park on Tuesday 21st October.

The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 and Discovery+, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m.

Newcastle team news

Newcastle still have injury problems with Tino Leveramento and Lewis Hall. Kieran Trippier and Dan Byrne are more than capable deputies, though.

Fabian Schaar has been pushing for a return to central defense since the Barcelona defeat, while Howe will have to test midfielder Joelinton after the Brazilian played just 45 minutes in the defeat to Brazil. Lewis Miley looks like a possible replacement.

Summer signing Yoan Wasa is yet to feature after a knee injury.

Newcastle’s expected line-up

(4-3-3) Pope ; Trappier, Boatman, Tiao, Byrne; Tonali, Gamaris, Miley; Gordon, Waltmead, Murphy.

Benfica Team News

Mourinho changes his pack for the final time with Benfica in cup action against second division side Chavez on Friday evening.

So he is likely to return to the starting XI that drew 0-0 at leaders Porto.

That means a return for goalkeeper Anatoly Troban, former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi, and Richard Reus at the base of midfield.

Benfica’s Expected Lineup

(4-2-3-1) Trobin ; Dahal, A Silva, Otemendi, Didak; Ríos, barrenechea; aursnes, sudakov, leukbakio; Pauldis.

Newcastle vs Benfica Stats

-The only previous fixtures between the teams came in the 2012/13 Europa League quarter-finals, a 3-1 home win for Benfica, followed by a 1-1 draw at Newcastle.

– They were Newcastle’s last games against Portuguese opposition. They have won just one of those seven matches (D4 L2), although they are unbeaten in all four at home (W1 D3).

– Benfica are winless in their last 11 Champions League matches against Premier League opponents (D3 L8).

– Newcastle are aiming for back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time since the second group stage of 2002/03.

– The Magpies have lost their last three home Champions League games.

– Benfica have lost their last four Champions League matches.

Newcastle vs Benfica Predictions

Although Kylian Mbappe’s 4-1 thumping of PSG in October 2023 will live long in the memory, Newcastle have found it at home in Champions League matches.

And maybe that old rascal Mourinho will be able to deny them once again.

As a manager, Mourinho has lost just five times in 21 matches facing Newcastle, and the recent 0-0 away draw at Porto showed he is still adept at taking the sting out of games.

Looks like a draw value Here, and going 2.5 Under Objectives Probably a smart move too. Only the bottom three have scored fewer goals in the Premier League this season than Newcastle (7).

If it does, say, finish 1-1, the respective strikers are going to return.

New Magpies cult hero Nick Voltimede has scored in five straight games for club and country, while Benfica’s Greek striker Vangelis Pavolidis has five in his last seven for Benfica.