Benfica have gone on to become one of the main candidates for the trophy, and no doubt they are the favourites to pip Newcastle to a semi-final berth.

The Magpies have done really well in Europe this term and they are eager to try and go all the way, although they could be in for a very difficult task at Estadio da Luz.

Benfica have really raised their profile over the last few years and they are finally on the road to return to old glory days.

After winning just two league titles in the 21st century, the Eagles now have an excellent chance to restore their domestic dominance as they are four points clear of arch rivals Porto.

This is why Jorge Jesus is adamant that the league campaign remains a priority, but that did not stop his side from impressing in Europe as well.

After joining the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group, the Eagles have won all four games in the competition and are now 1.50 (1/2) at Coral to make it five on the bounce.

Having scored three goals in the aforementioned four games, Oscar Cardozo is 2.20 (6/5) at BetVictor to score at anytime.

Eduardo Salvio misses out with a knee problem, while Nemanja Matic is unlikely to be risked after missing two training sessions this week.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Artur – Almeida, Jardel, Roderick, Melgarejo – Martins, Gomes, Perez – John, Cardozo, Gaitan.

Newcastle, too, were forced to balance between their domestic and European campaigns, but they had no problems reaching the Europa League knockout stages.

The Magpies then impressed to see off Metalist Kharkiv and Anzhi, and their appetites have grown a great deal since.

Believing that the team would have no problems ensuring Premier League survival, Alan Pardew promised to shift his focus to their European campaign in an attempt to win the coveted title.

However, with his side having lost last two league games, they are now just three points clear of the bottom three, so the boss might have to change his plans.

Regardless of his approach, the Magpies are major underdogs in the clash with Benfica, seeing they are no less than 2.88 (17/9) at Coral to make it to the semi-finals.

Fabricio Coloccini, Mathieu Debuchy, Cheikh Tiote and Hatem Ben Arfa did not make the squad, but Tim Krul, Davide Santon and Mike Williamson all return.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Krul – Simpson, S. Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon – Cabaye, Anita – Gutierrez, Sissoko, Marveaux – Cisse.

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