This Newcastle vs Benfica preview showcases a match where Newcastle United host Benfica at St. James’ Park on Tuesday, in a UEFA Champions League clash that has a “must-win” feel for both sides. The Magpies are reeling from a 2-1 weekend loss to Brighton and have had a mixed start to their UCL campaign (one win, one loss). Benfica, under the management of José Mourinho, are in an even more desperate position, sitting 33rd in the league phase standings with zero points after two consecutive defeats.
This is a critical European night for both clubs. This match preview pits a Newcastle side that is typically strong at home against a Benfica team that is winless in their last three official meetings with the Magpies. For punters eyeing BC.GAME, the real story is Benfica’s desperation. Mourinho’s side has lost to both Chelsea and Qarabag in the UCL and cannot afford to leave Tyneside empty-handed, which could force them to abandon their usual defensive shape.
Newcastle vs Benfica match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
This is how both teams have fared in their last five competitive matches (most recent result first).
- Newcastle: L W L W D
- Benfica: D L W D L
(Note: Recent form includes all competitions)
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Key Stats
Here are three crucial statistics for punters to consider before placing a bet:
- Benfica’s UCL Woes: Benfica have lost both of their opening Champions League matches this season, including a stunning 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag.
- H2H Dominance: Newcastle are winless in their three historical meetings with Benfica (1 draw, 2 losses).
- Goals in This Fixture: The three previous meetings between these two clubs have been high-scoring, producing 11 goals in total (3.67 goals per game), and “Both Teams to Score” has landed in all three.
Correct Score Prediction
I predict a 2-1 victory for Newcastle. This is a very difficult match to call. Newcastle’s form is inconsistent, but St. James’ Park on a European night is a powerful fortress. Benfica, on the other hand, are in a dire situation. José Mourinho will undoubtedly set his team up to be compact and frustrate the hosts, but their need for a win will force them to take risks. I expect Benfica to score, as they have in every previous game against Newcastle, but their shaky defence and Newcastle’s superior attacking quality with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade should be enough to see the home side edge a narrow, tense victory. This looks like a great value bet on BC.GAME.
Newcastle vs Benfica H2H
- These two clubs have met three times (twice in the Europa League and once in a friendly).
- Newcastle has never beaten Benfica. The record stands at two wins for Benfica and one draw.
- The last competitive meeting was a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park in the 2013 Europa League quarter-finals.
- Both teams have scored in all three previous encounters, and two of the three have gone Over 2.5 goals.
Pre-game Odds
Here are the outright match-winner odds, which are subject to change.
- Newcastle: 1.58
- Draw: 4.40
- Benfica: 5.50
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Team News Newcastle
Eddie Howe is contending with a growing injury list, particularly at full-back. Both Tino Livramento (knee) and Lewis Hall (hamstring) are ruled out of this clash. The Magpies will also be without new signing Yoane Wissa (knee). There was a minor concern over Joelinton after his return from international duty, but he has been training and is expected to be fit to start in midfield. Jacob Ramsey has also returned to the squad and will be an option from the bench.
Team News Benfica
José Mourinho has several key players unavailable. Defenders Alexander Bah (Cruciate ligament) and Manu Silva (Cruciate ligament) are both out with long-term injuries. Winger Bruma is also a major doubt with an Achilles tendon injury. More recently, a virus reportedly swept through the Benfica camp, affecting several players and staff, though the worst of it is believed to have passed. Star midfielder Georgiy Sudakov is back in training after a shoulder issue, and Gianluca Prestianni is available again after international duty.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle (4-3-3):
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy
Benfica (4-2-3-1):
Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis
Newcastle vs Benfica Betting Tips
Based on the data, team news, and head-to-head stats, here are our expert betting tips for this Champions League fixture.
- Tip 1 – Result: Newcastle Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
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