Newcastle United head to Azerbaijan on Wednesday for their first-ever Champions League knockout appearance, facing Qarabağ FK in the play-off round first leg.
The Magpies have moved into a historic phase of their European campaign, having finished 12th in the league phase with 14 points. Manager Eddie Howe oversees a side that has shown “resilience on the road” recently, securing back-to-back domestic away wins. Newcastle arrive in Baku seeking to end a three-match winless away streak in Europe and take a positive result back to St James’ Park for the return leg.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe manages a squad still hampered by a significant injury crisis. Notably, Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär are ruled out of the trip to Azerbaijan. Consequently, Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey are expected to play pivotal roles in the midfield engine room. In a major boost, Joelinton has returned to training and could feature following a six-match absence. Anthony Gordon remains the primary threat, having already netted six goals in the competition this season.
Nick Pope will start in goal behind a defensive unit led by Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw. Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall are expected to provide the width from full-back positions. In midfield, Sandro Tonali will anchor the side, allowing Ramsey and Willock to push forward. Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga are poised to support Gordon in an attack that has been involved in 76% of the club’s European goals this term. Notably, a victory tonight would see Howe equal the English managerial record of five wins in a single Champions League season.
Newcastle United Predicted Lineup
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Willock; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
When will the match kick off?
The Champions League play-off first leg takes place at the Tofiq Bəhramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 GMT.
How to watch Qarabağ vs Newcastle?
UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT on television and the discovery+ app.
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