Match Overview
The UEFA 2025/26 Matchday 3 encounter between “Newcastle” (England) and “Benfica” (Portugal) is scheduled to take place on October 21st at St. James’ Park stadium. This is our unique prediction and betting advice, including coefficients and statistics, for the Newcastle vs Benfica game.
Newcastle United Preview
Recent Form and Group Stage Performance
Two years ago, the English club returned to the elite European competition after a long hiatus but failed to advance from the group stage, securing only one victory in 6 matches. In the latest fixture of the current season, the team recorded its second win, achieving an unexpected convincing away victory over “Union” (4:0). Prior to that, Newcastle had suffered a 1:2 defeat at home against “Barcelona”. With 3 points, the club currently sits in 11th position in the tournament standings.
Team Statistics
- The team has failed to win in 6 of its 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 Probable Lineup (4-3-3)
Expected Starting XI
Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn – Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton – Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade.
Team Injuries
Due to injuries, key defender Valentino Livramento, midfielder Lewis Hall, and forward Yoane Wissa will miss the game.
Benfica Preview
Group Stage Performance and Coaching Change
After two rounds, the Portuguese side unexpectedly finds itself at the bottom of the table in 33rd place. The team has yet to secure any points, and a change in head coach hasn’t helped. With José Mourinho at the helm, the Lisbon team lost 0:1 away to “Chelsea” in their last match, following a surprising 2:3 home defeat to “Qarabag” under the previous coach. It’s also worth noting that “Benfica” has lost 4 consecutive matches in the main draw of the tournament.
Team Statistics
- At least one team failed to score in 5 of the Portuguese side’s last 6 matches in this tournament.
- Benfica has avoided defeat in 5 of its 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 games in this European competition.
Benfica Probable Lineup (4-3-3)
Expected Starting XI
Anatoliy Trubin – António Silva, Samuel Dahl, Nicolás Otamendi, Amar Dedić – Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, Georgiy Sudakov – Fredrik Aursnes, Evangelos Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio.
Team Injuries
Defender Alexander Bah, midfielder Manu Silva, and forward Bruma are currently injured.
Referee Analysis
Match Official: Szymon Marciniak
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Referee Statistics
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25-2025/26);
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%.
Newcastle vs Benfica Match Prediction
Our Expert Opinion
José Mourinho will lead his team in a second consecutive group stage match in England, where his side is expected to face a tough challenge. The Lisbon club has not managed to defeat English Premier League representatives in their last 11 encounters (3 draws and 8 losses). Additionally, Benfica has an 8-match winless streak in European competitions against English opponents (3 draws and 5 losses). We anticipate the Portuguese team will suffer another defeat in this instance.
Key Factors for Newcastle’s Victory
The English side is gradually gaining momentum in both their Premier League campaign and the . Their biggest victory in the tournament’s main draw (against Union) should provide a significant boost in confidence for the players. It’s also worth noting an interesting fact: if Anthony Gordon scores in this game, he will become the first Newcastle player in history to net in three consecutive matches.
Final Bet Recommendation
Our prediction is a “Newcastle Win” with odds of 1.63 
Author of the Prediction
Author: Олександр Олексенко
Mark Thompson
