Newcastle United

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United are about to make Champions League history.

Well, sort of.

No side in the history of the competition have ever travelled as far as Eddie Howe's team will when they make the 2,529-mile journey to Azerbaijan for the first leg of their last 16 play-off against Qarabag next month.

Players and staff, alike, are certainly getting used to life on the road again following their midweek trip to Paris.

In fact, Newcastle play six of their next seven games away from home.

How Newcastle navigate this series of gruelling fixtures will go a long way to deciding the fate this season as they contest knockout ties in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup and, of course, some crunch games in the Premier League, too.

The squad is going to be needed so Howe will be heartened by how so many players stepped up in the midweek draw against Paris St-Germain, particularly when Newcastle's record on their travels has been so poor.

But the big matches just keep on coming.

Newcastle now travel to Anfield to take on champions Liverpool at a venue they have not won at since 1994.

"We found Anfield a difficult environment to find results," Howe added. "Some of our performances there have been pretty good in my tenure there, but the results haven't matched that.

"We have been close a few times, but it is a tough place to play. Take away the stadium and the environment, Liverpool have been very good over the years and I respect them as a football team.

"We have got to be at our absolute very best to get anything."

Who will start at Liverpool? Former Magpies defender John Anderson picks his line-up for Anfield below on BBC Radio Newcastle...

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says adjusting to life without the "outstanding" Alexander Isak is an "ever-challenging thing".

Isak moved to Saturday's opponents Liverpool for a British record £125m in August, less than a week after the Reds won a thrilling meeting between the two sides at St James' Park in August.

Newcastle re-invested by signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, and Howe was asked before the visit to Anfield about the process of integrating new forwards into the team.

"You lose a player like Alex - and let's put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he's an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent," he said.

"We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him.

"He was an outstanding player. When you take that player away from your team, it's going to change the dynamics, that's for sure. Then you have to try to find a way of, not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective.

"We're still in that moment and we've been trying to do that all season. I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job.

"But we're still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we've signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.

"There's been video analysis, talking to them, which is great, but it's not the same as getting the work on the training pitch.

"They've done really well and they're trying to give the team the best that they have and we are trying to adapt."

Isak is currently out with a long-term leg injury, but the Magpies will have to plan for Hugo Ekitike - who himself was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle before also joining Liverpool in the summer.

"A very, very good player," Howe added.

"I think it is well known I have liked him for a number of years - I tried to sign him twice.

"He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet, he's good in the air and dribbles with the ball really well. He is a big talent."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey says Lewis Miley "will get frustrated" by a lack of playing time in the long-term as he has proven himself good enough to be a starting player.

The versatile teenager, who impressed midweek against Paris St-Germain, is seen as a central midfielder but can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder or right-back when needed.

Miley has been playing as a full-back in the absence of Tino Livramento, but has struggled to solidify a midfield role because of the Magpies' experienced trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

"How are you going to dislodge those three unless they are injured?" Howey asked on BBC Radio Newcastle. "When Livramento is fit and comes back, he will surely then resume his place too?

"I see him [Livramento] and Lewis Hall are the future of English full-backs.

"Miley might feel like he is down the pecking order but Howe knows he can rely on the player and what kind of player he has got. The problem that Howe will have is that no matter how well he has done, he will be sitting on the bench.

"Playing the odd game will get Miley frustrated. Is it going to be enough for him?

"I would understand the fact I am only 19 years old and doing so, so well, but I would want to play. I would want to be in this team and not second-fiddle."

Listen to Howey on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It's a long way from Newcastle to Baku.

No wonder, then, Eddie Howe hinted this morning that a two-legged tie against Monaco was his personal preference because of how long it would take to travel to Azerbaijan.

But the Newcastle United head coach made it clear he was "excited for whoever we get" - and there is certainly no danger of his side underestimating Qarabag.

The competition newcomers may have been hammered 6-0 by Liverpool earlier this week, but that does not tell the full story.

Qarabag won three of their eight league phase fixtures – beating Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen – and even held a much-changed Chelsea side to a draw in Baku.

So Howe will again have to strike a delicate balance with his changes as he did in Paris in midweek.

That said, Newcastle should have more than enough to get through if they play with that same spirit.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe said a decision will be made today on captain Bruno Guimaraes' involvement at Anfield: "It's slightly unknown at the moment. He did really well to be with us in Paris, that was down to the fact he was desperate to support the players. He did very, very light training. He trained with us yesterday but that was more of a test so we'll see how he is today. This will be where we decide [for tomorrow]."

• Joelinton is likely to be out for "weeks not months" with a groin problem sustained against Aston Villa: "He flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection in his groin. It was good news. The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means his return could be quite quick and we're looking at weeks, not months."

• On Tino Livramento's fitness: "He's doing well. I believe he's having a scan today. A second scan to see the progress of his hamstring. Fingers crossed it's good news and if it is, he'll be back out running. We're still probably five to six weeks away and we're looking at an early March return, providing everything goes well."

• Jacob Murphy returned to training yesterday: "Jacob's getting there. He's made some good progress in the last few days. Yesterday was his first full training session. Again, another player that was there with us but slightly reluctant to use him."

• Howe was asked to reflect on Guimaraes' impact, four years to the day since he joined the club: "He has been an incredible signing. From the day he turned up in his suit, he showed great respect to this club. A great person who's gone onto great things. You see the success he's had - winning a trophy, playing for Brazil - and the way he's done it by embracing the supporters - he's been a class act."

• On Friday's Champions League draw, with the Magpies set to face either Monaco or Qarabag in the play-off round: "Whoever we get, it's going to be a great tie. A great moment for us. Really pleased with Wednesday and really pleased we showed really good defensive qualities. We go into the next draw with real positivity and I'm excited for whoever we get."

• On facing the Reds: "Historically it has been a great fixture. We want to try and do that justice by being the best we can."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Hear more from Howe on BBC Sounds

Ask us questions about Newcastle and we'll put them to our experts

Matty Renton
Fan contributor

Newcastle fan Matty Renton says the Magpies put in a "valiant and fantastic" performance against Paris Saint-Germain and were "robbed" of the win in the French capital. He is concerned though that the club haven't moved to sign a defensive option in the January transfer window.

Find more from Matty Renton at The Magpie Channel, external

Image source, Uefa Champions League

The 16 teams who have qualified for the Champions League knockout phase play-off draw will find out their opponents on Friday.

Proceedings start in Switzerland at 11:00 GMT and will involve the teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the table.

As Newcastle finished in 11th position, they will be paired with 12th-placed Paris St-Germain as a seeded pair.

They are guaranteed to face either Monaco or Qarabag in the play-offs as they ended the league phase in 21st and 22nd respectively.

The first legs of the play-offs take place on either 17 or 18 February and the second legs are one week later.

Once the eight winners of the play-offs have been determined they can progress to the last 16, where they will meet the top eight finishers from the league phase.

Former Newcastle defender John Anderson says Eddie Howe's tactical plan against Paris St-Germain was "spot on" and only a lack of cutting edge prevented the Magpies from winning at the Parc des Princes.

Reacting on BBC Radio Newcastle after full-time in Paris, he said: "There were a few eyebrows raised when we saw the starting XI but tactically you have to say Eddie Howe got it spot on.

"He invited PSG on using the pace of Elanga and Willock for 70 minutes before bringing on fresh legs and fresh pace in Barnes and Gordon. It caused PSG all kind of problems.

"It was just the final ball that let us down, and we have said that a few times this season.

"You can take nothing away from an absolutely magnificent performance.

"I thought we were absolutely outstanding. We had the chances, we just didn't take them.

"The lads who came in were excellent, I thought Eddie Howe got his gameplan so spot on.

"If we were a little more clinical we would have got all three points."

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Hear more match reaction and interviews on Newcastle's BBC Sounds feed

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle defender Dan Burn and goalkeeper Nick Pope are hopeful that Wednesday's strong Champions League performance at Paris St-Germain will give them confidence in the next knockout stage.

Burn, who made his first appearance since breaking a rib and puncturing a lung, was named man of the match after a colossal performance in the France capital.

Pope got a strong hand to Ousmane Dembele's spot-kick to save it in the opening minutes of the game amid a shaky start for the Magpies.

"PSG started really well and got the penalty, which I was pretty surprised they gave one for," said Burn to BBC Radio Newcastle. "But it showed the maturity of the squad, and the lessons we learned from our last Champions League campaign, that we could come back into the game.

"In the last 20 minutes, I thought we had the better chances and could have gone on to win it.

"We knew that we were through but it would have been nice to knock out those two extra games. To be through to the knockout stage is something to be very proud of.

"It is important it gives us confidence going into this huge run of games that we have coming up."

Pope added: "It was a difficult start to the game, but away from home in the Champions League to a top opponent, you do expect tough moments.

"We showed great character as a group to get through that and get the goal before half-time.

"The longer the game went on, the more chances we had to win the game. I definitely felt like I was busier in the first half than the second.

"Before the competition started we knew we wanted to get knockout football so it is a really good sign that we put in a top away Champions League performance at a top team already.

"There are loads of positives that we can take into the next round."

You can find all of the latest interviews from BBC Radio Newcastle here

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Champions League game between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: A hard-working performance against a very good team and the players that came in did a good job. We were better in the second half when we used our pace on the wings. There is no doubt pace is this team's biggest threat, but we are missing a natural goalscorer. However, we would have taken a play-off spot when the draw was first made. We've not disgraced ourselves in Europe's elite competition against some quality opponents.

Nick: Fantastic effort from the lads and tactics were spot on. Execution a little lacking, as some sloppy passes prevented us from making more of their exposed backline. But solid in defence against a talented attack - so all in all, a point in Paris has got to be seen as a massive achievement. Well done, team.

Rich: There's life in this group of players yet! Having looked like we were going to get a roasting in the first half, we showed real character and came so close to going through as a top-eight team. Big Dan Burn's return had the positive impact you'd expect. Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey played their best games of the season. On the flip side, unfortunately Anthony Elanga looks like he's only fit to play in an amateur team.

John: I thought we were going to get hammered after the first 10 minutes, but we defended manfully and scored a superb equaliser on half-time. We could have won it in the second half, despite some poor decisions from the referee throughout the game. Credit to Eddie Howe for organising and motivating the players so well.

Bob: A great performance by Newcastle after a dreadfully wobbly start. Had PSG been anywhere near their best it would most certainly have been a different story. Having two extra matches might actually get Newcastle to strengthen before the transfer window closes, but I'll not hold my breath.

Richard: We went toe to toe with the current European champions, away from home, and gave as good as we got in the second half, with arguably the better chances to win it towards the end. So proud of the lads for that performance!

Have you got a question about Newcastle or is there a Magpies topic you want more information on? Get in touch here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

It looked like history was about to repeat itself at one point for Newcastle against Paris St-Germain.

The game had not long kicked off when PSG were awarded a controversial penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after the ball bounced off the arm of Bradley Barcola and then struck Lewis Miley's hand inside the box.

It brought back memories of when Newcastle defender Tino Livramento was penalised for an unintentional handball at the same stadium in 2023.

Kylian Mbappe took full advantage that night but, this time, Nick Pope got a strong hand to Ousmane Dembele's spot-kick to briefly quieten the Parc des Princes.

Although Vitinha did put the hosts in front, just a few minutes later, Newcastle did not crumble, even after such a shaky start.

They did not let their frustrations get the better of them, either, when they were not awarded a penalty of their own after the ball struck Marquinhos' hand inside the box a few minutes before Joe Willock equalised.

Joe Willock was one of five players recalled by Howe and this was a night when the Newcastle head coach's faith in his squad eventually paid off.

With an eye on Saturday's trip to Anfield, Howe made five changes as Dan Burn, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Willock and Nick Woltemade came into the team, knowing he needed fresh legs.

They certainly stepped up - not least Burn, who wore the captain's armband.

Burn, making his first appearance since breaking a rib and puncturing a lung, was even named man of the match after a colossal performance.

To think the 33-year-old had been "anxious" before the game.

"That injury did shake me up a little bit," he said. "It was something I had never had before.

"I was really happy when the first whistle went because I just settled back into my routine and didn't think about it.

"I don't remember taking any knocks so I was happy. It was strange. It was probably the first time I went into a game slightly worried about the bloke I was going to get hurt against."

Pundits Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha and Julien Laurens join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Wednesday's dramatic league phase finale in the Champions League.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 2-0 Galatasary

• Napoli 2-3 Chelsea

• Paris St-Germain 1-1 Newcastle

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe on the strength of the Premier League in Europe: "It's not something I've thought too deeply about. The English teams have been strong.

"The Premier League is such a strong league it can only make you better. The games we play week in week out are so tough.

"Dan [Burn] never ceases to amaze us. I thought he was top class and very, very good for us today. I'm delighted for him, he's such an important power and presence for us in the dressing room.

"I think we're showing [we belong]. We've been pleased with what we've delivered. There's a slight frustration we haven't been able to get over the line in some games. But this is the real acid test for us, coming here against the holders of the competition. I thought we performed really well.

"We went all out to try and win the game. We chased it as much as we could without leaving us the possibility of losing. We tried everything we could to try to make the top eight.

"It's such an unbelievable competition to be in and we never take it for granted. We want to appreciate it, and the work we've put into getting here we don't want to throw it away.

"We do have a good squad. We made changes today that we needed to make. We might need to make some more for Liverpool because in no time at all we're back at Anfield."

Hear more from Howe on BBC Sounds

Did you know?

• Newcastle remain unbeaten in each of their three meetings with PSG in the Champions League (W1 D2), the most times a team have faced the French side in the competition without ever losing.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was a night Newcastle could have gone under.

The aim was clear: be solid in a back five, stay in the game and use the athleticism in the side to hurt Paris St-Germain on the break.

But those plans soon appeared to be in tatters after Newcastle fell behind at a buoyant Parc des Princes.

It looked an uphill task.

Indeed, even when PSG were dealt a mini setback, after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia limped off in the first half, Luis Enrique had the luxury of throwing the gifted Desire Doue on.

But Newcastle showed the resilience that has so often been missing on the road to dig in and draw level.

Joe Willock epitomised that.

Not only by equalising – but by defiantly dropping to his knees and putting his finger to his lips afterwards in celebration as the crowd whistled loudly.

Newcastle will have expected PSG to come roaring back in the second half, but the visitors defended manfully, with Sven Botman blocking an effort from Achraf Hakimi before Lewis Hall followed suit to get in the way of Doue's shot.

Eddie Howe's team could have won it, in the end, and were rightly serenaded with a chorus of "we love Newcastle, we do!" as they approached the travelling support at full-time.

Newcastle now have to crowbar a two-legged play-off into an already packed schedule, but they will fancy their chances of reaching the last 16.

Certainly if they play with the heart they showed on Wednesday night.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies

Record signing Nick Woltemade starts as Newcastle United make five changes for tonight's huge Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.

Woltemade, Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock all come into the side following Sunday's defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes makes the bench, but the midfielder is not risked from the off after suffering an ankle injury last week.

Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock

Subs: Ramsdale, Harris, Trippier, Wissa, Gordon, Barnes, Osula, J.Murphy, A.Murphy, Guimaraes, Shahar

There are 18 games in the Champions League on Wednesday as the league phase reaches its climax and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Ajax v Olympiacos

• Arsenal v Kairat Almaty

• Athletic Club v Sporting

• Atletico Madrid v Bodo/Glimt

• Barcelona v Copenhagen

• Bayer Leverkusen v Villarreal

• Benfica v Real Madrid

• Borussia Dortmund v Inter Milan

• Club Brugge v Marseille

• Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham

• Liverpool v Qarabag

• Manchester City v Galatasaray - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Monaco v Juventus

• Napoli v Chelsea- listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• PSV Eindhoven v Bayern Munich

• Pafos v Slavia Prague

• Paris St-Germain v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Union Saint-Gilloise v Atalanta

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Napoli v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play PSG v Newcastle", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Former Newcastle United defender and match summariser for BBC Radio Newcastle John Anderson tells us his starting XI for tonight's game with PSG.

He said: "If Bruno [Guimaraes] is fit he plays but we will go with the assumption that he isn't going to be fit."

Anderson reckons Nick Woltemade will get the nod over Yoane Wissa up front.

You can listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says he backs Paris St-Germain to win the Champions League, despite the holders not being guaranteed a finish in the top eight of the league phase before Wednesday's visit from Newcastle.

"Both teams are aiming to avoid the play-off and those extra games," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "Newcastle have a lot of injuries.

"If you remember back to last season, Paris St-Germain finished 15th in the Champions League but it's not how you start - it's how you finish.

"It does feel a bit similar this season. They went back to top of Ligue 1 at the weekend, but they've slipped up a few times in the Champions League and still have work to do.

"I still fancy PSG to go on and win the Champions League though. Just as last season, they will build up a head of steam and be the team to beat in this competition."

The success the Magpies have enjoyed in the Champions League has at times provided an escape from a mixed domestic season.

"With a lot of Newcastle players, they have enjoyed Europe this season more than the league," Sutton added.

"For Anthony Gordon, it's a contrast of two Premier League goals and six in the Champions League. It's a bit of a head-scratcher.

"He's played OK in the Premier league and Eddie Howe's side have done OK.

"But, his squad is really stretched at the moment in time and the likes of Gordon will have to step up this evening."

Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist

Victory against sixth-placed PSG would elevate Newcastle into the top four –ensuring a second leg at home in the last 16 and quarter-finals – if two of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham slip up.

Regardless, a win for Newcastle will surely be enough for the top eight. To displace them, at least three other sides currently on the same points would need victories by improbable scorelines.

The Magpies have little margin for error though as, realistically, they're in catching range of nine sides (not 10, as Dortmund play Inter so can't both overtake Newcastle). A draw would leave them relying on only one of the chasing pack winning – or two if Tottenham lose – while defeat would make it unrealistic for Eddie Howe's side to stay in the top eight.

Newcastle have all but guaranteed a top-16 finish.

Did you know?

• Newcastle have only won three away games from 14 in all competitions this season, meaning it will be a big ask against the champions in Paris.

• In Anthony Gordon (six) and Harvey Barnes (five), Newcastle have two of the top eight scorers in the competition.

Image source, Getty Images

Key PSG players - Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha

Dembele won the 2025 Ballon d'Or after 35 goals in 53 appearances last season. A number of fitness issues have disrupted his current season, but he has started to show promising signs once again with five goals in his last five starts.

Dembele was also linked with Newcastle in January 2022 while struggling at Barcelona. He also tweeted 'what a player' about former Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez in 2014 after a goal he scored against Everton.

Another one to watch is Vitinha, who was on loan at Wolves five years ago but has made remarkable progress since. Spurs boss Thomas Frank predicted he would win the Ballon d'Or in 2026 after a hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Spurs earlier this campaign.

PSG squad summary

The Ligue 1 side have an elite young squad. They've fielded two of the five youngest XIs in this year's competition. Star midfielder Joao Neves has missed the last three matches with 'muscle discomfort'.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Gordon sensed the question was coming at the Parc des Princes.

Although the Newcastle United forward has not scored a goal from open play in the Premier League for more than a year, he has already netted six goals in the Champions League this season.

Why has his record been so radically different in Europe?

Gordon was the first to admit that even he did not have an answer to that on an evening the 24-year-old insisted he "didn't care for people's opinion".

But, clearly, the England international needs no added incentive to step up on the big stage.

"I'd be lying if I said it didn't bring out some extra motivation or adrenaline," he acknowledged at a news conference on the eve of his side's Champions League game against Paris St-Germain.

Newcastle won't be lacking motivation as a whole in the French capital.

Eddie Howe's team could secure an automatic place in the last 16 with a famous victory as they look to end their dismal run on the road.

Newcastle will be without midfield powerhouse Joelinton, who is set to be sidelined for a few weeks with a groin issue, but captain Bruno Guimaraes could return after shaking off an ankle issue.

It is a night Newcastle will need Guimaraes, Gordon and others to sparkle.

"Look at the teams we're playing against," Howe added as his side embark on a run of gruelling games at the Parc des Princes, Anfield and the Etihad in the space of just a week and a half.

"A huge physical demand, a huge mental test. We will find out a lot about ourselves in the next few days.

"Hopefully positive, because we've got to respond and for me we've got to trust the squad as well. This is a big week for the squad to step up and really show its worth."