Newcastle United's Champions League tie won't be easy as previous experience shows
Eddie Howe leads Newcastle's final training session at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on the eve of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg against Qarabag
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There are those who think Qarabag will be something of a shoo-in for a revitalised Newcastle United on their travels - a free pass into the last 16 knock-out stage of the Champions League.
Nice thought, we should be so lucky, and true they are not the European powerhouse of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the battalion of Premier League heavyweights but may I sound a word of warning. Qarabag pack a punch up top and that makes them a genuine danger on their own midden.
They have scored at least two goals in each of their four home CL matches winning 3-2 against Eintracht Frankfurt and 2-0 over Copenhagen, as well as drawing 2-2 with Chelsea and losing 4-2 to Ajax.
United away from home can leak goals as Eddie Howe is only too aware despite back to back wins so I suspect his warning will be in six foot high letters. Baku is a long exhausting way to go to get sloppy!
Of course unlike the FA Cup at Aston Villa United have the safety net of a second leg at SJP and therefore I fully expect the Mags to win through whatever the result in a far away land as long as we keep it respectable.
They have endured a tough time but seem to have discovered the path out of their maze. Eddie's relentless determination and a player meeting to right wrongs would appear to have worked a treat. There is of course no Bruno, no Tino Livramento or Fabian Schar, no Lewis Miley, no Yoane Wissa. Problems, sure, but maybe answers too.
Where once United were a midfield powerhouse with Bruno, Big Joe and Sandro Tonali striding the area like gladiators we have been significantly wounded. Our Captain Courageous is a huge miss and Joelinton's physicality hasn't been replicated which means we've been down on numbers and power with bright spark Miley also on the crocks' list. However in darkness cometh light?
Tonali was back to his scintillating best at Villa Park - two goals and bristling enthusiasm - while Jacob Ramsey has shown signs of significant improvement, Joe Willock is a reliable back up and even Nick Woltemade, he of the clever feet, dropped deep to lend genuine help. Joelinton too is on the verge of walking amongst us again.
Maybe Baku appears to have fallen off the edge of the world - Europe anyway - lying across seas, rivers and mountains but it is a vibrant, beautiful city if still a footballing backwater when compared to Madrid, Rome, Munich, Paris or London.
Baku is the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, a city with coastline along the Caspian Sea. However where it differs from all others is that it is 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and also the largest city on the globe below sea level.
Nevertheless it is recognised by the modern world becoming a venue for major international events in the 2010s. It hosted the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, the 2015 European Games, the European Grand Prix of 2016, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix since 2017, the final of the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League, UEFA Euro 2020, and 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Sure, pilgrims have made the trip before, long or small, but are they ready for a Toon Army invasion? Geordies on tour. The Mags on the march. Bottles of beer and plenty banter.
Qarabag itself originates from Aghdam in the Karabakh region but they have not played in their home town since 1993 due to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. They were only formed in 1987 and became founding members of the Azerbaijan Premier League five years later. Short history, quick progress into the Champions League.
United are visiting a ground honouring a significant figure in this country's footballing history. The Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium is named in honour of the 'Russian linesman' who awarded England their crucial breakthrough goal in extra time during the 1966 World Cup final.
Yes, I can hear you cry, we've had enough of liners after Aston Villa but perhaps the two guys out there will know how to raise their flags and do it in honour of a nation's distinguished figure. Maybe the English might just benefit once again!