Qarabag Clash with Newcastle: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Newcastle United's journey to secure a spot in the Champions League round of 16 advances in Baku this Wednesday evening, as they meet unexpected contenders Qarabağ in the opening leg of their playoff encounter.
Although Newcastle concluded the league phase with a respectable 1–1 stalemate away against the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, their collection of 14 points fell short of securing a top-eight finish and direct qualification to the knockout rounds.
Nevertheless, they have received a manageable draw in the playoffs. Few anticipated Qarabağ would advance beyond the league phase when the season began, but consecutive victories at the competition's start paved their path forward.
Their triumph against Eintracht Frankfurt in the second-to-last matchday virtually guaranteed their playoff position, and they'll be seeking a less painful trip to England next week, having suffered a 6–0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last month.
Chelsea were frustrated in Baku during the league phase, and Newcastle must not underestimate the Azerbaijani side. While Eddie Howe's team has struggled away from home this season, they have achieved notable victories at PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa recently.
What Time Does Qarabag vs. Newcastle Kick Off?
What Time Does Qarabag vs. Newcastle Kick Off?
Qarabag vs. Newcastle Head-to-Head Record
Qarabag vs. Newcastle Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Qarabağ and Newcastle.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Qarabag (WWLWL) | Newcastle (WWLLL) |
|---|---|
Mil-Mugan 0–1 Qarabağ | Aston Villa 1–3 Newcastle |
Shamakhi 1–2 Qarabağ | Tottenham 1–2 Newcastle |
Shamakhi 2–1 Qarabağ | Newcastle 2–3 Brentford |
Qarabağ 1–0 Turan | Man City 3–1 Newcastle |
Liverpool 6–0 Qarabağ | Liverpool 4–1 Newcastle |
How to Watch Qarabag vs. Newcastle on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Qarabag vs. Newcastle on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | Paramount+, TUDN USA, UniMás, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Qarabag Team News
Qarabag Team News
The home side appears to have no injury concerns entering the first leg. Nevertheless, Marko Janković, Kevin Medina and Matheus Silva are all walking a disciplinary tightrope in Baku.
If any of them receive a caution on Wednesday night, they would accumulate their third yellow card of the tournament and face suspension for the second leg.
Luckily for Qarabağ, their two offensive standouts from the league phase, Camilo Durán and Leandro Andrade, face no suspension threat. The duo contributed seven goals combined to propel the Azerbaijanis into the playoffs.
Qarabag Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle
Qarabag Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle
Qarabağ expected lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev; Bicalho, Janković; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Durán.
Newcastle Team News
Newcastle Team News
Bruno Guimarães has encountered another fitness problem, and the Newcastle skipper faces at least six weeks out with a thigh complaint. Sandro Tonali shouldered the responsibility at Villa Park, and the Magpies will require the Italian, rumored for a high-value transfer, to maintain his excellent form while the Brazilian recovers.
Tonali may partner with Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock in midfield on Wednesday night. Newcastle remain without Joelinton and probably Lewis Miley, while Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman sat out Saturday's FA Cup victory and are questionable.
Tino Livramento is expected back in March and Fabian Schär should also return later this season.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Qarabag
Newcastle expected lineup vs. Qarabağ (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Qarabag vs. Newcastle Score Prediction
Qarabag vs. Newcastle Score Prediction
This represents uncharted waters for both clubs, with Howe's Newcastle unable to progress past the group stage during their previous Champions League campaign in 2023–24.
It wouldn't shock if Howe disappoints fans with a relatively conservative strategy against a side capable of punishing opponents through their fluidity and unity in counter-attacks. Chelsea paid the price earlier this winter, and Newcastle won't want to chase a deficit at St. James' Park.