Europa League preview: Benfica vs Newcastle

Benfica are determined to break off the run of five quarter-finals’ eliminations by the English sides in European tournaments and overcome Newcastle in their Europa League last-8 tie.

Benfica team news:

The Portuguese side has few injury problems to deal with with Eduardo Salvio being the only notable omission. The Argentinian striker is set to miss the forthcoming clash due to knee injury.

Al in all, Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is likely to stick to the side which has demolished Rio Ave 6-1 in their latest domestic fixture. He is likely will prefer Brazilian striker Lima ahead of ex-Real Madrid striker Rodrigo, as the former scored a hat-trick on Saturday.

Newcastle team news:

Although Alan Pardew has several fitness worries, the return of first-choice goalkeeper Tim Krul and Davide Santon will undoubtedly be boosts for his side.

Haidara, Tiote and Coloccini remain major doubts for the upcoming game due to fitness issues and could start from the bench.

Despite Ryan Taylor travelling to Lisbon he will be surely missing the game. Ben Arfa (hamstring) , Vuckic (knee) and Debuchy (hamstring) are all unavailable for selection due to various injuries.