Newcastle United are back in Champions League action on Tuesday night as Eddie Howe takes on Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion must be swept aside as Newcastle United take on Benfica.
Champions League action is the focus once again as Eddie Howe looks to build on the thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Jose Mourinho is already expecting a fantastic atmosphere from Newcastle fans as he brings his Benfica side into town.
Liverpool v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Final
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Helder Cristovao warns Jose Mourinho about two Newcastle United players
This should be a fascinating encounter, especially with Mourinho still learning about his Benfica squad after recently being appointed as manager.
Mourinho has been handed a warning ahead of Tuesday night’s encounter, as former Newcastle defender Helder Cristovao has offered his thoughts.
Helder spent time on loan at Newcastle United in the 1999-2000 season before going on to play for Benfica in 2002.
The former centre-back has told A Bola that he thinks Benfica can cause ‘unrest’ at St James’ Park with an early goal.
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Helder thinks Mourinho won’t be overawed by the atmosphere, but picked out two players who could really damage Benfica.
Helder praised midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and winger Anthony Gordon as two Newcastle players who can make a big impact, all while highlighting the pace and aggression in the final third.
“If Benfica manage to score early, they’ll create some unrest,” said Helder. “If they shrink a bit, they’ll be in trouble. Judging by the stadium’s atmosphere, Mourinho knows it well.
“And Newcastle is a good team, with Bruno Guimaraes and [Anthony] Gordon. They have players who can keep possession, and then they have very fast and aggressive players up front,” he added.
Anthony Gordon in strong Champions League form
Newcastle’s wingers need to step up in the Premier League, having struggled for goals early in the season.
Gordon has been exceptional in Europe, though, scoring three times in just two Champions League outings.
Gordon scored against Benfica before bagging a brace against Union Saint-Gilloise.
Newcastle cannot and should not expect Nick Woltemade to do it all on his own in the final third, and Gordon should be a key man against Benfica.
If Gordon can bring his recent European goalscoring form to Tuesday’s game, he may well be the man to take Mourinho down.