Newcastle United will have their task cut out when they travel to Portuguese league leaders Benfica for the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.
The Magpies have been impressive so far in Europe's second tier competition, but face their toughest test yet. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, though, is confident his side can go through to the semis.
"I think at St. James' (Park), we can beat anybody," Newcastle manager Alan Pardew. "So we have no doubt about that game that we can beat Benfica.
"But this is the decider in terms of how difficult that's going to be and we've got to put in a performance where we can take something back to St. James' to give us a chance because it's going to be very difficult to beat Benfica -- full stop, in both ties -- but we certainly need to give ourselves a chance at St. James' Park.
"Their attacking options are very good and that's probably their strength. They have a lot of flair in the side, the two full-backs are very progressive, and it's going to be difficult to contain them if we come here just to defend.
"We lacked a little bit of ambition at Manchester City and we kept losing possession. Possession's going to be very, very important. Both teams are good in possession and therefore that's probably going to be a key element."
Benfica have an enviable record at home, having lost just one game all season - to Barcelona in the Champions League. Coach Jorge Jesus, though, is not taking a positive result for granted.
"It will be a hard game," he told reporters. "At this stage all the teams are strong and league performance doesn't always correspond with European form. The fact they are in 15th place in England doesn't mean a thing," he added.
"They have played 12 matches in the UEFA Europa League and lost just once. Their squad is full of internationals. It will be an even tie that won't be decided in the first game."
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Expected lineups: Benfica: Artur; Pereira, Garay, Luisao, Melgarejo; Matic, Martins; John, Lima, Gaitan; Cardozo.
Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Yanga-Mbiwa, Taylor, Santon; Cabaye, Anita; Marveaux, Sissoko, Guttierez; Cisse.
Prediction: 2-1 to Benfica
