Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has great respect for Europa League opponents Benfica.

Pardew's team face Benfica in the first-leg of their clash tonight.

"We've got a good knowledge of Benfica, as they will of us," he told nufc.co.uk. "They're top (of their league) and they look like they're going to win it to me.

"We'll have played two of the best teams in Europe, I think, in Manchester City and Benfica this week."