Europa League
2013-04-11 - Newcastle United vs Benfica
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : Europa League
Thursday, 11th April 2013 - Kickoff 8:05pm GMT
BETTING PREVIEW
Newcastle United may have lost 3-1 away, but they gave a good account of themselves and could make this interesting with an early goal. They have an away goal, thanks to Papiss Cisse, who I think deserved a hattrick in the 1st leg.
Indeed, Cisse has 2 shots come off the post, and this tie could have looked very different at 3-3, or maybe even a win for Newcastle if the goals dictated the mood of Benfica. Anyway, 3-1 but now Newcastle are at home, where they have a great chance of at least winning the leg, if not the tie.
Newcastle have won 5 and draw another in their last 6 at home, and with Benfica not needing a win, or even a draw, the high prices on the home team instantly stand out as very good value especially given what we saw they can do against Benfica when luck isn't working against them.
However Benfica are a Champions League team, and since moving from the elite competition into this one, they have won each of the 5 games they have played. This puts me off even the tasty looking Newcastle win prices, but I want to back the hosts in some way because they can have a say, and Benfica can afford to lose and still go through.
THE BETTING VERDICT
I'm going to put my money on Cisse scoring. He scored in the 1st leg, and could have had a couple more. He is Newcastle's top scorer, and the last 4 games he has played at St. James Park have seen him net. He does it here again.
The Pick :
Newcastle United 2-1 Benfica
BEST BETTING TIP :
Papiss Cisse to score at any time @ 3.10 (PaddyPower)
