
The UEFA Champions League returns with the first round of knockout matches. This stage sees the teams who missed out on the top 8 in the league phase contest a play-off to make it through to the next round. Newcastle vs Qarabag is the focus of this one as we bring you some team news and the confirmed lineups for what is sure to be a fun clash of Eddie Howe’s all-out press against a defensive unit that earned a draw with Chelsea.
Howe has plenty of injuries limiting his abilities right now. The biggest comes to star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes who is set to miss at least the next month of action. There are other first-team absences like Joelinton (who is fit but may be eased in to full fitness), Tino Livramento, and Lewis Miley, all of which are dealing with different issues on different timelines.
Fabian Schar has been sidelined for months already, while Yoane Wissa and Sven Botman have minor issues. Emil Krafth is expected to be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
Subs: Ruddy, Ramsdale, Harris, Joelinton, Osula, Murphy, A Murphy, Ramsey, Shahar, Neave
According to Sofascore, the Azerbaijan representatives will only be without one player as Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev is injured.
Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev, Bicahlo, Jankovic, Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir, Duran
Subs: Ramazonov, Buntic, Mmaee, Addai, Bolt, Kady, Kaschuk, Gurbanli, Bayramov, A. Huseynov, Jabrayizalde, B Huseynov
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