Match Overview

The third-round match of the 2025/26 UEFA group stage between “Newcastle” (England) and “Benfica” (Portugal) is scheduled for October 21 at St. James’ Park. Here’s a comprehensive preview, prediction, odds, and statistics for Newcastle vs Benfica.

Newcastle’s Journey

Two years ago, the English club returned to the main stage of Europe’s premier club competition after a long absence but failed to advance from the group, securing only 1 victory in 6 matches. In their most recent fixture of the current campaign, Newcastle claimed their second victory, surprisingly defeating Union 4-0 away. Prior to this, Newcastle suffered a 1-2 home defeat against Barcelona. With 3 points, the club currently sits in 11th place in the tournament standings.

Newcastle Recent Form

• The team has failed to win in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament (2 draws and 4 losses).
• No more than 3 goals were scored in 6 of Newcastle’s last 8 games.
• The club has lost its last 3 home matches in this European competition.

Newcastle United Expected Lineup (4-3-3)

Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn – Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton – Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade.

Due to injuries, key defender Valentino Livramento, midfielder Luis Hall, and forward Yoane Wissa will miss the match.

Benfica’s Current Situation

After two rounds, the Portuguese side surprisingly finds itself at the bottom of the table in 33rd place. The team has yet to earn a single point, and even a change of head coach hasn’t helped. Under José Mourinho, the Lisbon team lost 0-1 away to Chelsea in their last match, following a surprising 2-3 home defeat to Qarabag under their previous coach. It’s also worth noting that Benfica has lost 4 consecutive matches in the main draw of the tournament.

Benfica Recent Form

• At least one team failed to score in 5 of the Portuguese side’s last 6 matches in this tournament.
• Benfica has not lost in 5 of their last 7 away matches (4 wins and 1 draw).
• No more than two goals were scored in 5 of the Lisbon team’s last 6 away matches in this European competition.

Benfica Expected Lineup (4-3-3)

Anatoliy Trubin – António Silva, Samuel Dahl, Nicolás Otamendi, Amar Dedić – Richard Rios, Enzo Barrenechea, Georgiy Sudakov – Fredrik Aursnes, Evangelos Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio.

Defender Alexander Bah, midfielder Manu Silva, and forward Bruma are injured.

Match Referee

Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Referee Statistics (2024/25-2025/26)

Matches – 14 (International fixtures);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties awarded – 36%.

Match Prediction: Newcastle vs Benfica

José Mourinho will lead his team in a second consecutive group stage match in England, where his side traditionally faces a tough challenge. The Lisbon giants have been unable to defeat Premier League representatives in their last 11 encounters (3 draws and 8 losses). Furthermore, Benfica holds an 8-match winless streak in European competitions against English opponents (3 draws and 5 losses). I anticipate that the Portuguese team will suffer another defeat in this fixture.

The English club is gradually finding its rhythm in the Premier League and the . Their most significant victory in the tournament’s main draw (against Union) should boost the players’ confidence. It’s also an interesting fact that if Anthony Gordon scores in this game, he will become the first Newcastle player in history to score in three consecutive matches.

My prediction is a “Newcastle Win”.