Alan Pardew’s Magpies take on in-form visitors from Lisbon hoping to overturn a two goal deficit from the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final.
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Benfica will go to Newcastle as the favourites to advance following a 3-1 victory in the Portuguese capital last time out.
Only twice has a side recovered from a two-goal, first-leg deficit in the competition’s knockout phase since it was rebranded four years ago, and while Newcastle are unbeaten in 13 European home fixtures they have only won by more than one goal on two occasions in that time.
A meagre return of 10 goals in 11 games since the start of this season’s group stage doesn’t bode well for the Magpies, but midfielder Yohan Cabaye is optimistic about his side’s hopes.
“In front of our supporters, I’m sure we’ll have chances. Now it’s up to us to control the match well and play the 90 minutes right to the end to try and qualify,” said the French international.
With the club having announced a sell-out for Thursday’s match, Cabaye added: “It’ll be a whole different atmosphere and I know we can count on our fans.”
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