Newcastle are the only English side in this week’s UEFA Champions League play-off matches, and they face a trip to Azerbaijan.

Manager Eddie Howe’s side will travel to Qarabag, covering the longest distance by an English club in the history of UEFA competitions.

I have to admit that I was tempted by a trip to Baku, given that I would have little to no reason to ever visit Azerbaijan otherwise.

However, I type this from the comfort of my bedroom, having been to all of Newcastle’s last five away matches.

The Magpies will arrive on the coast of the Black Sea having defeated Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fourth round, in a match that had us all wishing VAR was in use.

Comical officiating saw Lucas Digne escape a life sentence for his foul on Jacob Murphy, whilst Tammy Abraham was shown to be offside for Villa’s opener.

Newcastle were denied a penalty too, when Digne practically caught the ball inside the box, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to award a free kick, which Newcastle ended up scoring from.

Justice was served as United ran out 3-1 winners of the tie. They broke the curse of their green away kit and earning back-to-back domestic away wins. However, they remain without captain Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian radgie limped off in the dying minutes of their penultimate Premier League game away at Tottenham, which saw Newcastle pick up only their third away win of the season and Spurs sack Thomas Frank.

What are the best bets for Qarabag vs Newcastle?

Newcastle to win

I would like to imagine that Newcastle could settle this playoff tie in the first leg. But I get the feeling that this match will be more difficult than many would imagine.

Qarabag held Chelsea to a draw when they met in the League Phase, and barring the last two games, Newcastle have been hopeless away from St James’ Park.

However, perhaps this is optimism, I’ll back the lads to get the job done here and take the tie back to the North East with a lead.

Anthony Gordon to score or assist

Anthony Gordon has decided to turn up again in recent weeks, netting against Liverpool and assisting the winning goal at Tottenham.

He has already recorded eight goal contributions in the Champions League this season, with only Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland tallying more.

Take him to score or assist as well as both teams to score, given that it has happened in all of Newcastle’s last six matches.

Where can I watch Qarabag vs Newcastle?

Supporters in the United States can watch this match on Paramount+, TUDN USA or Univision Now. Kick off is at 12:45 EST.

TNT Sports/discovery + are the places to see this match live and exclusively in the United Kingdom. Kick off is at 17:45 GMT.

What is Qarabag’s current form?

L-W-L-W-W

What is Newcastle’s current form?

L-L-L-W-W

What were the results of the head-to-head matches when Qarabag played Newcastle?

Newcastle have never faced a side from Azerbaijan. However, Qarabag have lost eight of their last nine matches against English opposition.

What is Qarabag’s predicted team?

Kochalski – Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarquliyev – Bicalho, Jankovic – Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir – Duran

Injured: None

Doubt: None

What is Newcastle’s predicted team?

Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Tonali, Willock, Ramsey – Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon

Injured: Miley, Schar, Krafth, Joelinton, Livramento, Guimaraes

Doubt: Wissa, Botman

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