Newcastle United welcome Qarabag FK to St James’ Park TONIGHT with the tie already dead and buried, but don’t expect Eddie Howe’s men to take their foot off the gas.
The Magpies landed in Baku last week and served up an absolute hiding, dismantling the Azerbaijani champions 6-1 in their own backyard. That result means this second leg is effectively a dead rubber, with Newcastle’s place in the Champions League Round of 16 already secured barring the greatest miracle in European football history.
But here’s the thing, Qarabag’s defensive fragility has been there for all to see. They’ve conceded TWELVE goals in their last two European outings, including that 6-0 hammering by Liverpool last month. And with the St James’ Park crowd baying for blood, there’s every chance the floodgates open again.
For Qarabag boss Gurban Gurbanov, it’s about damage limitation now. He was brutally honest after the first leg, admitting Newcastle’s style “does not suit” his side. And he’s not wrong, the Magpies tore through them like a hot knife through butter, with that high octane press causing chaos from the first whistle.
HOWE TO RING THE CHANGES
With a five goal cushion and a packed Premier League schedule looming, Howe is expected to rotate heavily. But here’s the scary part for Qarabag, Newcastle’s squad players are desperate to impress.
William Osula could lead the line after his cameo in Baku. Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock are likely to get minutes. And with Sandro Tonali pulling the strings in midfield, there’s still more than enough quality to cause serious damage.
The backline sees changes too. Kieran Trippier is fit again, Dan Burn keeps his place, and there’s a chance for Alex Murphy down the right. Aaron Ramsdale continues in goal as Howe manages his keepers through this European run.
Injury wise, Newcastle are without Fabian Schar, Valentino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley, Yoane Wissa and Malick Thiaw, but such is their depth now, it barely weakens them.
QARABAG’S NIGHTMARE IN NUMBERS
The stats make grim reading for the visitors. They’ve shipped 13 goals in their last five games across all competitions. Both teams have scored in just two of those five, because mostly it’s just been Qarabag getting battered.
Toral Bayramov is suspended after his red card in Baku, and they’re already without injured defender Bahlul Mustafazade. That backline that was carved open time and again last week? It’s even weaker now.
Marko Jankovic and Abdellah Zoubir will try to create something going forward, but let’s be real, this is about keeping the score respectable.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
For Newcastle, it’s about momentum. That 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the weekend was a blow, but Howe’s side had won three on the spin before that. Another convincing performance here keeps the good vibes flowing ahead of a crucial Premier League run.
Oh, and there’s history to be made. If Qarabag concede two or more tonight, they’ll break the record for most goals conceded in a single Champions League season. You can bet the Geordies in the stands will be well up for that.
The two sides sit level on 14 points in the league phase table, both already assured of knockout football, but for very different reasons. Newcastle are flying high in 12th, Qarabag are 22nd and praying for damage limitation.
THE PREDICTION
St James’ Park under the lights. A European night. An opponent there for the taking. You do the maths.
Newcastle to win comfortably and if Qarabag’s defence folds like it did in Baku, we could be looking at another cricket score.
KICK OFF: 20:00, St James’ Park
HOW TO WATCH: TNT Sports 2
REFEREE: To be confirmed
MAN IN THE MIDDLE FOR QARABAG: Gurban Gurbanov has a squad in pieces and a mountain to climb. Good luck, son.
