Date: October 21, 2025
Kick-off Time: 21:00
Venue: St James’ Park

Champions League nights are back on Tyneside — the lights, the noise, the roar of over 52,000 fans packed into St. James’ Park. Newcastle welcome Portuguese giants Benfica for what could be one of the most entertaining clashes of the group stage.

Eddie Howe’s men are desperate to bounce back after a stuttering start in Europe, while Benfica arrive with quiet confidence, having looked sharper and more settled in recent weeks. Both sides can attack, both can leak goals, and both need a result. So, yeah — buckle up.

Newcastle Team News

Let’s start with the hosts. Newcastle are expected to stick with their trusted 4-3-3, the same system that’s defined Eddie Howe’s side over the past two seasons. Nick Pope will start in goal, with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and Dan Burn forming the back four.

In midfield, the energy of Bruno Guimarães, Sean Longstaff, and Joe Willock will be key. Up front, it’s likely to be Anthony Gordon on the left, Joelinton cutting inside from the right, and Anthony Elanga through the middle if Callum Wilson isn’t fully fit.

Now, form-wise, Newcastle have been all over the place. Four wins, three draws, and three losses in their last ten. At home, they’re strong — but they’ve lost each of their last three Champions League games at St. James’ Park. Ouch.

Still, when the crowd’s behind them, this team comes alive. Expect intensity, pressing, and the usual “all-out-attack” approach. The downside? They also tend to concede. In fact, Newcastle’s home matches average 2.8 total goals, so don’t expect a cagey one.

Fitness-wise, Jacob Ramsey remains a doubt after a knock in training, while Yoane Wissa might just miss out following his recent hamstring issue.

Benfica Team News

Benfica travel to England knowing this is a big test — but not one they fear. Roger Schmidt’s men are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Anatoliy Trubin in goal and a back line featuring António Silva, Morato, Bah, and Aursnes.

Midfield control will come from Florentino Luís and João Neves, while further forward, expect Rafa Silva, David Neres, and Dodi Lukébakio to buzz around Vangelis Pavlidis, who leads the line.

Benfica’s recent away form has been solid — five wins in their last ten, including impressive displays in Europe. They score goals (about 1.7 per game) and usually manage to keep things tidy at the back. The issue? They sometimes switch off late in matches.

Injuries? Alexander Bah is still out with a thigh problem, and Manu Silva is a late fitness check. But overall, Benfica’s squad depth looks fine.

Newcastle vs Benfica Head-to-Head Record

These two have met only three times before — twice in the 2013 Europa League and once in a friendly. Benfica won one and drew the other two. Both teams scored in all three meetings.

That’s right: every time they’ve played, both sides have found the net. So maybe “both teams to score” is worth a look.

Newcastle vs Benfica Match Preview

Newcastle can’t afford to sit back — the crowd wouldn’t allow it — and Benfica are too slick going forward to just defend for 90 minutes.

Expect Newcastle to fly out of the blocks, pressing high and trying to feed Gordon and Elanga early. Benfica, though, will stay patient. They’ll look to hit on the counter, using Lukébakio’s pace and Pavlidis’ finishing.

The battle in midfield is where this could be won or lost. Bruno vs Neves — two players who love dictating tempo. Whoever controls that area might control the night.

Newcastle vs Benfica Betting Tips

Here’s how I see it:

• Main Bet: Benfica to win (odds around 4.5). They just look more settled and clinical.
• Both Teams to Score: Yes. Neither defense is bulletproof.
• Over 2.5 Goals: A smart addition — both sides like to attack.
• Anytime Scorer: Anthony Gordon for Newcastle, Rafa Silva for Benfica.

If you’re building a bet, something like:

• Benfica to win
• Both Teams to Score
• Over 2.5 Goals
• Rafa Silva anytime

That’s your “entertaining chaos” combo — and it fits how these two play.

Newcastle vs Benfica Match Prediction

You can feel the tension already. Newcastle need a response; Benfica smell blood.

I think Newcastle will start strong, maybe even grab the opener, but Benfica’s composure and counter-attacks will tell in the end. Expect late drama.

Match Prediction: Benfica to win. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Benfica Correct Score Prediction

If you’re chasing that sweet spot between realism and odds value, I’d say:

Correct Score: Newcastle 1-2 Benfica.

Could easily flip to 2-2 if Newcastle’s attack clicks early, but 1-2 feels right.

Correct Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Benfica. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Benfica Over & Under Goals Prediction

Stats say these two average around 2.8 to 3 goals per match combined, and neither side keeps many clean sheets.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals looks good, but over 3.5 could be the brave play.

Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Benfica Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a combo I like for Tuesday night:

• Benfica to Win
• Both Teams to Score
• Over 2.5 Goals
• Pavlidis to Score Anytime

That’s your attacking football special. Expect energy, goals, and a few nervy moments for both keepers.

Bet Builder Tip: Benfica to Win, Both Teams to Score, Pavlidis to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Newcastle: 4 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses in last 10 games.
• Benfica: 5 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses in last 10.
• Both teams have seen over 2.5 goals in 50% of their recent matches.
• Benfica have scored in 9 of their last 10 away games in all competitions.
• Newcastle have lost their last three home games in the Champions League.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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