Former Newcastle United star Helder is anticipating a tough game when his two old clubs do battle in the Eusebio Cup tonight in Lisbon.
The ex-Benfica defender, who made 164 appearances for the Portuguese giants, feels that Eddie Howe's side will get the perfect test this evening with Roger Schmidt's side getting ready to play in the Champions League qualifiers next week. We caught up with Helder in Portugal to get the lowdown on United's pre-season opponents.
Helder told Chronicle Live from Portugal: "Look, this is pre-season but it's also a new Benfica side compared to the last three years. Benfica have changed coach with Roger Schmidt the German coach coming in.
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"So they are at the beginning of a new start. They still like to press very high up the pitch and they like to overload opponents in the midfield area.
"They are always looking to recover the ball very fast too so it will be a hard test. They press a lot, put players near the ball and when they lose it they want it back quickly so that's what Newcastle are facing.
"At the same time if Benfica don't have the ball they leave a lot of space behind at the back. If Newcastle have a good start to the game and use their goalkeeper well to get attacks started when they are in a good condition to begin with, they can create a lot of danger for Benfica."
United boss Howe is starting to whittle down his starting line-up with the clash against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League opener now just 10 days away.
Helder said: "It's a fantastic test for Newcastle in that sense really. Newcastle have changed a lot in the 12 months and are under new management for the season ahead.
"They are building and have a few new signings so I can see it being a fantastic game. It will be competitive and help get ready for the Premier League."
Newcastle fans return to the scene of their Europa League quarter-final against Benfica back in 2013. And with the match being billed as the Eusebio Cup, Helder feels there is no such thing as a low key occasion for Benfica.
Helder added: "It is an amazing stadium. Whether you play Benfica in a league game, cup match, Champions League or even a friendly, it's always a big occasion. The fans are turning up with excitement and the stadium will be full.
"Everybody is very keen to see the guys playing their final friendly before their Champions League qualification programme starts. Also it's a new Newcastle game so I hope you will see an amazing game."
A podium has been set up and a trophy will be presented to the winners after the game tonight with a penalty shoot out also awaiting should the game be tied. Helder insisted Benfica don't really do friendlies.
Helder said: "It's the Eusebio Cup and it's important to honour him. Eusebio is a legend for Benfica and Portugal and everybody wants to respect his name.
"You could say because of this, it's not a friendly. Everybody will want to win and Benfica want to give a strong image from this game.
"There's a trophy at the end of it and everybody wants to win. Benfica will want to win for their supporters and there is a big tradition for Eusebio, it's always important to prepare for the next games which aren't friendlies."
Newcastle United 40-page pre season guide available to pre order now, CLICK HERE to order. Also available to purchase through local participating retailers from Saturday July 30, 2022.
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