The Daily Star Ireland
Newcastle United welcome Benfica to St James’ Park in a crucial Champions League group-stage encounter. The Magpies are searching for consistency in Europe after a mixed start, while the Lisbon giants arrive under pressure following early setbacks. Both sides need a result to stay in contention for a top-24 finish, making this a pivotal fixture in Group E.
Match Preview
Newcastle began their Champions League campaign with a spirited but narrow 1–2 home defeat to Barcelona, despite a strong showing late in the match. They bounced back impressively in their second outing, hammering Union Saint-Gilloise 4–0 away, a performance that underlined their attacking potential and defensive structure at this level. However, their domestic form has been less convincing — sitting 11th in the Premier League, with a 1–2 loss to Arsenal followed by a 2–0 win over Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Eddie Howe’s side remain formidable at home, losing just once in their last 10 competitive fixtures at St James’ Park. Their physical approach, coupled with high pressing and clinical counterattacks, has made them a tough opponent for visiting teams. The home crowd’s energy could again be a decisive factor against a Benfica side struggling for stability.
Benfica, meanwhile, are still reeling from a chaotic start to their European campaign. A 2–3 home defeat to Qarabag on Matchday 1 shocked fans and cost Bruno Lage his job. His replacement, José Mourinho, suffered an immediate 1–0 loss at Chelsea, leaving the Eagles rooted near the bottom of the standings. Domestically, Benfica salvaged a 0–0 draw against FC Porto before the break but remain short of rhythm.
The Portuguese champions desperately need a result in England to reignite their season. Mourinho’s early tenure has focused on defensive discipline, but the squad’s transition has been uneven, with key players struggling to adapt to his pragmatic system.
Team Form & Recent Results
Newcastle (Last 5 Matches): W–L–W–L–W
- Goals Scored: 9
- Goals Conceded: 6
- Clean Sheets: 2
Benfica (Last 5 Matches): D–L–W–L–L
- Goals Scored: 3
- Goals Conceded: 7
- Clean Sheets: 1
Newcastle’s form shows volatility but also resilience — their attack has produced goals in six of their last seven matches. Benfica, conversely, have struggled away from home, managing only one win in their last seven continental fixtures.
Head-to-Head Record
- Last 5 Meetings: Newcastle W2, Benfica W2, Draw 1
- Last Meeting (Friendly 2024): Benfica 3–2 Newcastle
- At St James’ Park: Newcastle unbeaten in their last 3 European home games.
The clubs share a balanced historical record, but Newcastle’s recent European home form gives them a psychological edge.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
Newcastle (expected lineup):
Pope – Trippier, Schär, Botman, Burn – Guimarães, Tonali, Willock – Gordon, Woltemade, Almirón
Injured/Unavailable: Wissa, Livramento (out), Ramsey (doubtful), Ruddy, Gillespie, Lascelles, Ashby (ineligible)
Key Players:
- Woltemade: The summer signing has started brightly with 3 goals in 4 league matches and a Champions League goal last time out.
- Anthony Gordon: The winger has scored 3 goals in Europe, including two penalties, adding pace and confidence in attack.
- Bruno Guimarães: The midfield heartbeat, combining work rate and creativity, with 2 goals in the Premier League.
Benfica (expected lineup):
Trubin – Bah*, Otamendi, Silva, Jurasek – Florentino, Kokçu, Sudakov – Lukebakio, Rafa Silva, Pavlidis
(*Bah doubtful due to injury)
Injured/Unavailable: Bah, Manu Silva, Nuno Félix, Bruma (injured); Prestianni returning from U20 World Cup duty.
Key Players:
- Vangelis Pavlidis: Benfica’s most consistent attacker, with 5 goals and 2 assists in the league.
- Sudakov: Dynamic box-to-box midfielder with 2 goals this season.
- Lukebakio: Brings pace and unpredictability on the wing, though still searching for end product.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Newcastle’s Game Plan:
Expect Howe’s side to control the game through intensity and quick vertical transitions. Their 4-3-3 relies on Tonali and Guimarães to progress the ball, while Gordon and Almirón stretch defenses. Newcastle’s pressing will aim to pin Benfica deep and force mistakes in buildup play — an area where Mourinho’s team remains shaky.
Benfica’s Strategy:
Mourinho will likely opt for a compact 4-2-3-1, emphasizing defensive shape and counterattacks. The Portuguese side may concede possession but will look to exploit spaces behind Newcastle’s fullbacks using Lukebakio’s pace and Pavlidis’s finishing. Midfield duels between Tonali and Kokçu could define the rhythm of the match.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Guimarães vs Sudakov: A contest for midfield control and tempo.
- Gordon vs Otamendi: Speed against experience on Newcastle’s left flank.
- Woltemade vs António Silva: The young striker’s physicality against Benfica’s disciplined defender.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Newcastle 1.75 | Draw 3.70 | Benfica 4.75
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.80 | Under 1.95
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.90 | No 1.85
Top Betting Picks:
- Newcastle to Win (1.75): Strong home form and better momentum make them the logical favorite.
- Over 2.5 Goals (1.80): Newcastle’s attacking style often leads to open, high-scoring matches.
- Woltemade to Score Anytime (2.60): In form and expected to lead the line.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Kickoff: October 24, 2025 – 21:00 CET / 20:00 BST
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Group Stage, Matchday 3
- Broadcast: TNT Sports / DAZN / Benfica TV
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK), DAZN (Europe), Benfica TV (Portugal)
Kickoff: Friday, October 24, 2025 – 21:00 CET
Prediction: Newcastle vs Benfica, UEFA Champions League 2025/26
Benfica’s European away form is concerning — just one point from their last six matches — while Newcastle have looked commanding at home in recent months. Mourinho’s side may struggle to contain the Magpies’ pressing intensity and direct play.
Final Prediction: Newcastle 3–0 Benfica
Best Bet: Newcastle to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Woltemade to Score Anytime
Newcastle’s energy and home advantage should prove decisive, sealing a comfortable victory to strengthen their position in the Champions League group stage.
