Newcastle Set to Host Mourinho’s Benfica in Crucial Champions League Clash

A pivotal UEFA Champions League clash unfolds tonight as Newcastle United welcome Portuguese giants Benfica to St James’ Park. The Magpies, seeking to kindle momentum in their group campaign, will look to bounce back from a recent Premier League loss to Brighton and build on their previous European success.​

High Stakes in Group Phase

The Magpies, currently 11th in the Champions League league phase standings, recorded a statement 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise after an opening defeat to Barcelona. Manager Eddie Howe’s side have earned praise for their resilience, but injuries and inconsistency have hampered progress on the domestic front, leaving them intent on securing all three points against the visiting Eagles.​

Benfica, now under the stewardship of the returning José Mourinho, are desperate for their first group stage win this season. The Portuguese side drew 0-0 against rivals Porto following a narrow 1-0 Champions League loss to Chelsea. Mourinho’s arrival was meant to stabilize a club that had recently parted ways with Bruno Lage after a shocking home collapse to Qarabag.​

Team News and Expected Lineups

Newcastle’s injury list features Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, and Yoane Wissa, while Sandro Tonali faces a late fitness test. Joelinton’s availability is also in question following a halftime substitution last weekend. Up front, Nick Woltemade—who has scored in his last five outings for club and country—will be key, supported by Gordon and Murphy.​

Benfica are without Alexander Bah, Bruma, and Manu Silva due to injuries. Mourinho is expected to field Trubin in goal, with attacking impetus from Pavlidis up front and support from Lukebakio, Sudakov, and Aursnes in a 4-2-3-1 setup.​

Head-to-Head and Prediction

This encounter marks only the third meeting between the clubs in competitive action, with Newcastle still seeking a maiden win over their Lisbon visitors. Bookmakers make Newcastle favorites at 8-15, but the encounter is tipped to be tight, with experts predicting under 2.5 goals in what could be a tense defensive battle.​

Spotlight on the Players

Nick Woltemade has been Newcastle’s standout performer, bagging four goals so far, while Benfica’s top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis has netted six for his side. Both clubs are battling for a much-needed boost to their Champions League prospects, with every point crucial at this stage of the group phase.​

As both Newcastle and Benfica take to the pitch tonight, all eyes will be on St James’ Park for a contest poised to influence the shape of their European campaign.​

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