Qarabag v Newcastle United: Eddie Howe’s predicted XI for Champions League clash following major selection hint.
The Magpies will play a competitive match in Azerbaijan for the first time in their history tonight as they come up against a Qarabag side that, much like them, will play their first ever Champions League knockout match. With a return-leg to come at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, Howe’s side will be desperate to secure a good result to bring back to Tyneside.
Yesterday, Howe spoke to the media in Baku and was asked by Azerbaijani reporters to name a couple of players that Baku need to be aware of from his starting XI. In response, Howe said: “I don't like to necessarily do that, but I'll play the game and I'll try and give you a couple.
“So I think for us, on our side, without proving my starting 11, which I never like to do, Kieran Trippier I think will be an interesting player for you to see, because of his technical quality from right-back, and also he's the only right-back we have, so a very good chance for me to play.
“And Sandro Tonali, for his two goals in our last game, I think he's another player with brilliant ability, and he's in good goal-scoring form after his two long-range strikes, so hopefully that's the start of a really good run of form for him too.”
Here, using the hints provided by Howe, we take a look at the Newcastle United starting XI he could name for tonight’s Champions League clash against Qarabag. Do you agree with our picks? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there:
Newcastle United predicted XI v Qarabag
Nick Pope
Aaron Ramsdale started in goal at the weekend, but it’s likely that Pope will return to the starting XI tonight.
Kieran Trippier
Howe hinted that Trippier is one to watch out for tonight. Expect the former Spurs and Burnley man to start at right-back.
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Malick Thiaw
Thiaw’s lengthy run of starts is almost certain to continue in Azerbaijan.
Dan Burn
Having missed the win over PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park, Burn returned to the starting XI for their last Champions League match away at PSG. Injury to Sven Botman means he will likely start again tonight.
Lewis Hall
Hall was one of Newcastle’s standout performers at Villa Park on Saturday and will hope to continue that form tonight.
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey may be due a rest soon, but his current good form means that Howe may opt to keep him in the starting XI for as long as possible.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali is another that Howe hinted could feature in Baku tonight.
Joe Willock
Willock enjoyed one of his best ever Newcastle United performances away at PSG last month. He may be asked to repeat that this evening.
Anthony Elanga
Elanga’s pace and directness could be used to exploit Qarabag if they look to attack the Magpies tonight.
Nick Woltemade
Whilst Woltemade impressed in a number ten role on Saturday, he could be asked to once again start up front tonight, particularly if Howe wants to switch up his front three against Manchester City on Saturday night.
Anthony Gordon
Gordon has been one of the Champions League’s top performers this season and will want to add to his goal collection in Baku.
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