What Happened
Newcastle United is set to host Qarabag FK at St. James Park on Tuesday evening, carrying a commanding 6-1 lead into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Knockout stage playoff tie. The first leg, held in Azerbaijan, saw Newcastle dominate with four goals from Anthony Gordon, alongside contributions from Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy.
Why It Matters
The match is crucial for Newcastle as they seek to secure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, potentially setting up a tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea. Head coach Eddie Howe has emphasized the importance of maintaining team rhythm while also considering squad rotation. He expressed a desire to field a strong team to ensure victory and progress in the tournament.
What’s Next
In terms of team news, Newcastle is hopeful that defenders Sven Botman and forward Yoane Wissa will return to the squad, although their participation remains uncertain. The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports and Amazon Prime in the UK, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT. Fans can expect an exciting encounter as Newcastle aims to build on their impressive first leg performance.
