Opinion

Looking at this Newcastle team v Benfica.

Only hours to go now before this next Champions League match at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United looking to make it six points from a possible nine so far in the Swiss League format.

This Benfica match follows the narrow 2-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona at SJP, followed by the dominant 4-0 victory in Brussels against Union S-G.

So can Eddie Howe’s side follow up with another big Champions League victory?

If so, it would put United in a great position two weeks ahead of another Champions League home game, against Athletic Bilbao.

As a reminder, this was the Newcastle team v Brighton on Saturday:

Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Woltemade, Elanga

Eddie Howe gave an update on Monday afternoon, regarding injury and availability for this Benfica match.

Yoane Wissa, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all still working their way back from injury.

Whilst Eddie Howe revealed that Sandro Tonali was recovering from a virus and hadn’t trained on Monday. A wait and see according to the NUFC Head Coach, as to what the Italy international’s availability will be tonight.

So where does...