Newcastle United return to Champions League action against Athletic Club in urgent need of a big response.
It was a terrible weekend for Newcastle United, who put in an atrocious performance at West Ham United, losing 3-1 to a side that are struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Even though Jacob Murphy fired Eddie Howe’s side into the lead after four minutes, the Magpies were listless as West Ham came from behind.
While league form is inconsistent, Newcastle have started strongly in the Champions League and can take another huge step towards advancing to the knockout stage if they can defeat Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Geordie Boot Boys writers have given their predictions for the European fixture.
Eddie Howe crouches while angry.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Anthony Gordon is in fine Champions League form – Jonathan Gorrie
This is not a vintage Athletic Club team. They sit 11th in the La Liga table and have only won one of their five away games this season.
Coming off a defeat against Real Sociedad in the Basque derby and having been thrashed by Borussia Dortmund earlier in their Champions League campaign, Newcastle have nothing to fear but themselves.
If Newcastle are at it, they appear to have enough to win. Anthony Gordon has been in fine form in Europe this season and will back himself to cause havoc here at St James’ Park.
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That’s hugely frustrating for supporters, who are getting increasingly annoyed at the team as a whole for only showing up on the big occasion. Still, a win in Europe is not to be sniffed at and Newcastle will need to show a vast improvement on Sunday’s defeat at West Ham.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Athletic Club.
Nico Williams’ absence could be key for Newcastle – Dan Murphy
Athletic are struggling this season and if their star player, Nico Williams, is ruled out with injury, then Newcastle will be the heavy favourites going into the match.
Howe’s side will be grateful to be back at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, too, as they went eight games without a victory away in the league with Sunday’s shocking defeat.
Newcastle have looked good in the Champions League, but it’ll be interesting to see how many changes Howe makes to his side in response to West Ham and how those players react. This is a tough one to predict as a result.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Athletic Club.
Newcastle must bounce back after West Ham – James Rutherford
Newcastle United were shocking on Sunday. Given what Howe said to the media after the game, you imagine there were even harsher words delivered behind the scenes.
That should provoke a reaction, with the Magpies expected to bounce back in a big way in the Champions League.
Newcastle have done well in the competition so far, and can take another giant step towards the next stage with victory on Wednesday night.
They should get that victory, but most Toon fans will agree that away to Brentford on Sunday is actually the bigger game now.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-0 Athletic Club