Date of Tips: 16/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:02 16/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Newcastle United FC
v Sport Lisboa e Benfica 
St James' Park
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
21-10-2025 19:00
Newcastle Form
SL Benfica Form
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Here’s how I see it:
If you’re building a bet, something like:
That’s your “entertaining chaos” combo — and it fits how these two play.
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.
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.
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.
Here’s a combo I like for Tuesday night:
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.
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Benfica look slightly stronger on form, so I’m backing them to take the win.
My prediction: Benfica 2-1 Newcastle.
Yes. Both have too much attacking power not to find the net.
Expect at least three — over 2.5 goals feels right.
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