Newcastle turned on the style in their last UEFA Champions League match and will be looking to bank another three points when Benfica come calling on matchday three.
After a demoralising 2-1 loss to Barcelona at home, it was vital the Magpies bounced back when they visited Union Saint-Gilloise.
I fancied the Magpies to come out on top in Belgium but was a little surprised by the margin of their victory as they romped to a 4-0 win.
Eddie Howe will now be hoping a passionate home crowd can help them see off Portuguese giants Benfica, who are looking to get their first points on the board.
Bruno Lage was binned after a shock 3-2 home loss to Qarabag and successor Jose Mourinho then suffered a 1-0 loss on his return to former club Chelsea.
The self-style Special One has had more time to work with the Eagles on the training ground and get his ideas across.
But taking something from St James’ Park is a daunting task and Newcastle should come out on top if their big players turn up.
How the bookies view it: Magpies hot favourites
After such an impressive display last time out in Europe, Newcastle are 4/6 favourites with BoyleSports. Benfica are as big as 4/1 and the draw pays 14/5.
Head to head: Where Eagles dare
These teams faced off in the Europa League back in 2013 and it was Benfica who came out on top. They won 3-1 at the Stadium of Light then claimed a 1-1 draw back at St James’ Park.
Players to watch: Flash Gordon
Anthony Gordon’s trickery will be key to breaking down Mourinho’s defence and he’s 15/8 at BoyleSports for anytime scorer. An assist may be more likely and that pays 4/1 with Ladbrokes.
Vangelis Pavlidis should be Benfica’s biggest threat, with the Greek already on six goals for the season. The powerful striker will be a nuisance and he’s 11/4 at BoyleSports for a goal.
Probable line-ups
Howe went with a strong line-up for the weekend clash with Brighton but may make some changes after a poor display in that 2-1 defeat. Both Joelinton and Anthony Elanga were subbed at half-time.
Benfica should be fresher after a weekend off but Bruma, Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are set to miss out again.
Newcastle United: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali, Barnes, Gordon, Woltemade.
Benfica: Trubin, A Silva, Dedic, Dahl, Otamendi, Barrenechea, Aursnes, Sudakov, Rios, Lukebakio, Pavlidis.
Anything else catch the eye?
Mourinho has concentrated on making Benfica harder to beat and it seems to be paying off. Only an own goal saw them lose 1-0 to Chelsea and they ground out a 0-0 draw away to Porto in their last outing.
So betting against BTTS could pay off here at 20/21 with BoyleSports while under 2.5 goals pays evens with the same firm.
This one has the potential to be a bit spicy and we could see a few cards for Mourinho’s men. Midfielder Richard Rios has been carded in his last three Benfica games and could be worth a punt to pick up another when that market is priced up.
Newcastle should start at a high tempo and they may rack up a few early corners. Backing over 4.5 first-half flag kicks pays 3/4 at BetVictor, while the same firm have Newcastle -1 in the corner handicap at 10/11.
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