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Newcastle United team news v Qarabag: Eddie Howe has named his starting XI for their Champions League clash in Baku.
The Magpies make the longest trip ever made by an English team in the Champions League for their clash in Baku in what will mark both clubs’ first ever appearance in the knockout stages of the Champions League. With the second-leg to come at St James’ Park on Tuesday night, Newcastle will be desperate to secure a good result tonight to give them a platform to build on in the reverse leg.
However, to do that, they will have to put in a good performance away from home - something that they have not done on too many occasions this season. Their Champions League record on the road this season currently reads: played four, won one, drawn two and lost one. Avoiding defeat in Azerbaijan would be a good return for Howe’s side ahead of the return leg.
There was some good news on the injury front, though, as Howe confirmed on Tuesday that Joelinton had returned to the squad and was in contention to feature against Qarabag: “He's back in the squad which is a great boost for us,” Howe said about the Brazilian. “He's such an important player and a big presence in our squad. A real leader. He trained well yesterday and felt really good, so delighted with his return.”
The Brazilian will start on the bench this evening. Kick-off in Baku is scheduled for 5:45pm UK time. TNT Sports will broadcast the game on TV in the United Kingdom.
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Confirmed Newcastle United team v Qarabag
With a Premier League game against Manchester City to come in between the two legs against Qarabag, it is not surprising to see that Howe has made four changes to his starting lineup from the side that defeated Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday evening. Sandro Tonali, who scored a brace for the Magpies that day, unsurprisingly keeps his place in the starting XI.
Kieran Trippier, who alongside the Italian was name dropped by Howe as a starter on Tuesday evening, also retains his place in the back four alongside a familiar trio of Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall. Nick Pope comes back into the XI in goal with Tonali being partnered by Joe Willock and Nick Woltemade in midfield, with the German expected to adopt a slightly more attacking role as he did at the weekend.
In attack, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes start as a front three.
Newcastle United starting XI v Qarabag: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes
Substitutes: Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy, Aidan Harris, Joelinton, Will Osula, Jacob Murphy, Alex Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave
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