Newcastle United take on Benfica in Champions League competition on Tuesday night and here are Geordie Boot Boys’ predictions for the fixture.
It was a disappointing yet predictable trip to Brighton for Newcastle United on Saturday, with the Magpies once again losing on the south coast.
Eddie Howe now hasn’t beaten Brighton in six attempts, while Newcastle haven’t won at the Amex since 2017 as the club’s new bogeymen struck again.
Nick Woltemade scored a stunning goal but, sadly, it came either side of strikes from Danny Welbeck, who now has five goals against Newcastle.
The Toon haven’t got long to sit about moping, though, as they return to Champions League action on Tuesday and must bounce back immediately.
Newcastle got their first points on the board with the 4-0 thrashing of Union SG last time out and need to pick up another victory to keep them in a strong position in the Champions League table.
Geordie Boot Boys writers have given their predictions for the game.
- Champions League: Newcastle United European fixture schedule and how to watch every league phase game
Jose Mourinho’s St. James’ Park record is in Newcastle’s favour – James Rutherford
After the disappointment of Brighton, Newcastle need a response in the Champions League. I think Howe’s side should be able to bounce back and make it consecutive wins in Europe.
While playing against a Jose Mourinho side can be challenging, the Special One does not have a great record at St James’ Park. On top of that, Benfica have started their Champions League campaign poorly with back-to-back defeats.
Their need for a result could make this a more open game than expected, which will suit Newcastle United.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Benfica
Jacob Ramsey could get first chance to shine vs Benfica – Dan Murphy
Newcastle may have lost against Brighton and, though the result won’t come as much surprise, Howe should have taken some lessons from the defeat.
The side’s oft-praised midfield trio looked stale and slow on the south coast and it could do with shaking up, if for nothing else to let the regular starters know their spots aren’t guaranteed.
In this instance, Sandro Tonali is a doubt with a bug, which could give Jacob Ramsey the chance to come in for his first start. The side could use his guile and ingenuity in the middle of the park and he should thrive against a Mourinho low block.
If Newcastle can come out of the traps strong like they did in Belgium, they should win comfortably against an unimpressive Benfica.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Newcastle players need to step up and help Nick Woltemade – Jonathan Gorrie
Newcastle United so often struggle against the kind of low block Mourinho is now so famous for playing.
Outside of Nick Woltemade, no other Newcastle player is making any meaningful attacking impact on a consistent basis. The defence, however, largely remains as solid as ever.
Benfica were listless against Chelsea earlier this month and it’s hard to imagine Mourinho letting them off the leash.
Sadly for the supporters watching on, it looks like it’ll be a relatively low-scoring game.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
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