Newcastle vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tips (21 October)

Not spared by the draw for its entry into the running, Newcastle did not have to be ashamed of its performance against Barcelona. But despite a decent first period and a great reaction at the end of the match, the English ended up losing to their home crowd 1-2. A defeat quickly erased by a much more solid performance achieved a few weeks later on the field of Union Saint-Gilloise 0-4 during which they proved that they were well at the level to hope to at least finish in the top 24 of the ranking. Conversely, in the championship, the Magpies are disappointing for the moment. 11th in the standings before challenging Brighton next weekend, the Newcastle players were beaten at home by Arsenal 1-2 before winning against Nottingham Forest 2-0 before the international break. Benfica, for their part, had inherited a much more affordable draw for their debut in the competition by hosting Qarabag.

However, the Portuguese club experienced a real shock by being moved up and then overtaken on the scoreboard by the Azerbaijanis 2-3, which led to the ousting of Bruno Lage, replaced at short notice by José Mourinho who also suffered defeat the following day at Chelsea 1-0. The situation is therefore already alarming for the residents of the Stade de la Luz who must win to maintain their chances of going beyond this league phase. In the league, the Lisbon side went for a draw in the clash against FC Porto 0-0 before the international break. On Friday they will go to the Chaves field for a Portuguese Cup poster. 

At the Magpies, the striker arrived at the club this summer Wissa and the starting fullback Livramento will not be able to hold their place in the group. Furthermore, the participation of winger Ramsey is not yet assured. Finally, goalkeepers Ruddy and Gilepsie and defenders Lascelles and Ashby are not qualified. On the other hand, the flagship recruit of the last transfer window should be able to start at the forefront. This is the German international striker Woltemade who scored 3 goals in his first 4 league matches. The former Stuttgart man also unlocked his C1 counter on the last day. Winger Gordon did the job by scoring his 2 penalties against Union Saint-Gilloise and he is therefore at 3 goals in the competition after his goal scored against Barça.

In the heart of the game should take place the essential midfielders Tonali (1 assist in PL) and Bruno Guimaraes (2 goals in PL). On the Benfica side, the promising young striker Prestianni (1 goal in the league) should have made his return after playing in the U20 World Cup. On the other hand, the long-term injured defender Bah, the midfielders Manu Silva and Nuno Felix and the striker Bruma will undoubtedly be too short to hope to make the trip to Saint-James Park. At the forefront, Greek striker Pavlidis, author of 5 goals and 2 assists in the league, should certainly be renewed by José Mourinho. Ukrainian midfielder Sudakov (2 goals) and Belgian winger Lukebakio (1 assist) should also apply.