Eddie Howe has said Newcastle are ready for a ‘mouth-watering’ tie ahead of Friday’s Champions League draw.
Newcastle will learn their opponents for the Round of 16 on Friday morning, after sealing progress with a win against Qarabag in midweek.
The Magpies will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the next stage and Howe is excited by the prospect of taking on either team.
Newcastle played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League earlier this season and also faced Barcelona during the league phase.
Discussing the upcoming draw, Howe said: “Really special and really positive for us. I think we are just grateful we can’t get Man City! We are looking forward to what the draw brings and we will look forward to that game when it comes around.
“A strange occurrence – you could play them [Chelsea] three times in a week.
“We had a great game against them here – I thought we were outstanding. I really respect them and of course they have a new manager since that game.
“The Barcelona game at home was very similar, I thought we played well.
“We’re in a great position – whoever we get is mouth-watering for us.”
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