Key Highlights
- Newcastle United holds a 6-1 aggregate lead against Qarabag FK.
- Eddie Howe faces the challenge of selecting his squad for Tuesday’s game.
- Qarabag have conceded six goals in consecutive Champions League matches.
- Anthony Gordon scored four goals in last week’s first leg match.
Newcastle United: A Step Closer to the Round of 16
On Tuesday, February 24th, Newcastle United will face Qarabag FK at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s side are in a commanding position with a 6-1 aggregate lead from last week’s match in Baku.
Eddie Howe’s Challenges
Howe must navigate the delicate balance of keeping his players fresh while ensuring they don’t lose their rhythm. The manager acknowledged that rotating the squad could be necessary, but he hopes key figures like Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa will recover in time for the match.
The Qarabag Threat
Qarabag’s recent form is concerning. They have conceded six goals in consecutive Champions League matches and have never beaten an English club in European competition. This indicates that Howe’s team can expect a straightforward path to the Round of 16, where they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona.
Recent Home Form
Newcastle’s home form has been inconsistent recently, with three defeats in their last four matches at St James’ Park. However, Howe remains confident and believes his team is ready for the challenge despite the recent setbacks.
You might think this is a simple formality match, but given Qarabag’s history against English clubs, Howe knows he cannot afford to be complacent. The Geordies are expected to cruise through with Anthony Gordon’s four-goal performance still fresh in their minds from last week.
