Newcastle vs Benfica Preview Predictions Team News Betting Tips and Odds for Your Ultimate Bet Builder Guide
Newcastle United is set to face Benfica on Tuesday, October 21, at St James’ Park in a Champions League match scheduled for 8 PM BST. This bout marks Matchday Three in the prestigious tournament. Newcastle suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in their opener but rebounded impressively with a 4-0 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Match Background
Benfica enters this matchup looking to improve after a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in their second fixture. Under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese side’s recent form has raised concerns, particularly after releasing manager Bruno Lage following a disappointing home loss to Qarabag.
Newcastle’s Recent Performance
Newcastle’s performance in the Premier League has been inconsistent. They are currently positioned 13th in the league after failing to secure more than five wins in their last 15 matches across all competitions. Notably, three of their premier league games have ended in goalless draws. Additionally, injuries to key players like Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have hampered their progress on the field.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Woltemade: The young striker has made an impressive debut with four league goals this season.
- Anthony Gordon: He has emerged as a goal-scoring threat, tallying three goals in his first two Champions League matches.
- Richard Rios: The Colombian midfielder will be under scrutiny after scoring an own goal against Chelsea and receiving multiple bookings this season.
Betting Insights
As the teams prepare for this encounter, betting enthusiasts might find the following tips worthwhile:
- Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals
- Player Cards: Richard Rios to receive a yellow card
- Longshot: Anthony Gordon as the first goalscorer
Statistical Overview
Here are some key statistics ahead of the match:
| Statistic | Newcastle | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Wins | 5 of last 15 | 1 of last 6 |
| Goals in Away Matches | 1 of last 15 games over 3.5 goals | Only 1 game with both teams scoring in 7 away matches |
Team News
For Newcastle, injuries will likely affect their lineup. Sandro Tonali is being assessed for illness, while Livramento and Hall are confirmed sidelined. Lewis Miley is expected to step in after Joelinton left early during the last match.
Predicted Line-ups
Newcastle’s anticipated formation is 4-3-3:
- Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon
Benfica will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Barrenechea; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Aursnes; Pavlidis
Match Predictions
Given both teams’ current form, Newcastle is favored to win at odds of 8-15, while Benfica stands at 4-1. The draw is available at 13-5. Football analysts predict a tightly contested game, with potential for low scores based on recent performances.
Viewer information: The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 2.
