Newcastle will take on Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 21 October, in a match that suddenly feels more important for the Magpies.
Eddie Howe's men slumped to yet another league defeat at the weekend, and another poor result on Tuesday night could raise some difficult questions for the former Bournemouth manager.
Looking to compound Howe's misery is none other than Jose Mourinho, who is back managing in Europe's most elite competition after joining Benfica last month.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Newcastle vs Benfica prediction below.
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Newcastle vs Benfica prediction: Mourinho to take something from the game
Key Stats
- Newcastle have won just three of their last seven matches, and one of those was against Bradford City.
- Benfica have lost just one game under Jose Mourinho.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Benfica's last five matches.
Correct score prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Benfica
Mourinho proved he still has the ability to pick up draws in difficult away games, leading his side to a 0-0 draw away at Porto a couple of weeks ago. A similar result is very much on the cards here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal start as favourites
- HOME: 3/5 (1.60) – 62.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 4/1 (4.00) – 20%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Newcastle vs Benfica odds are weighted in favour of the hosts, but Mourinho will have no issues with coming into the clash as the underdog. Ladbrokes have given the hosts a 62.5% chance of winning the match, while Benfica have been given a 20% chance of securing the three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in 12 years
This will be the first time that these two teams have faced each other since they met in the quarter-finals of the 2012/13 edition of the Europa League. Back then, Benfica won the first leg 3-1, before seucring qualification to the semi-finals with a 1-1 draw at St James' Park
Elite Club Friendlies 26/07/22
Benfica
Newcastle
Newcastle preview: Issues remain at the back
Newcastle continue to suffer with defensive frailties, and they are once again without Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall on Tuesday night. Fabian Schar could be brought back into the starting XI, but there are doubts about Joelinton's availability after the Brazilian came off at half-time at the weekend.
Predicted lineup: Pope (GK), Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Miley, Guimaraes, Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy
Last five results
- Brighton 2-1 Newcastle
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest
- Union SG 0-4 Newcastle
- Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
- Newcastle 4-1 Bradford City
Benfica preview: The cavalry to return
After resting several players at the weekend, Mourinho will recall the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and Anatoliy Trubin to the starting XI on Tuesday night. Alexnader Bah and Manu Silva will both sit this one out, as will Bruma, who is nursing a serious achilles injury.
Predicted lineup: Trubin (GK), Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl, Rios, Barrenechea, Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio, Pavlidis
Last five results
- Chaves 0-2 Benfica
- Porto 0-0 Benfica
- Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
- Benfica 2-1 Gil Vicente
- Benfica 1-1 Rio Ave
Player to watch: Nick Woltemade
Nick Woltemade has been a shining light in what has been a relatively dark season for Newcastle so far. If the club's new striker hadn't have settled as quickly as he has (four goals in four Premier League appearances) then the Magpies would be in an even worse position.