Newcastle United embark on a crucial Champions League mission to Marseille with manager Eddie Howe determined to cure his team's travel sickness as they face familiar foes in southern France.
European Challenge Amid Security Concerns
The Magpies arrive at the Stade Vélodrome with warnings about pickpocketing and potential football-related violence echoing in supporters' ears, but the greater concern for Howe lies on the pitch. Despite their impressive 2-1 victory against Manchester City at St James' Park on Saturday, Newcastle's away record remains worrying.
Since early April, the Tyneside club has managed just one away victory - their Champions League triumph at Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels. This poor form on the road contrasts sharply with their perfect European record at home, where they've beaten Benfica and Athletic Club.
Familiar Faces Await in Hostile Territory
Marseille presents a formidable challenge, managed by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and featuring several players familiar to English audiences. The French side boasts Mason Greenwood as their leading Ligue 1 scorer, alongside former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who remains "as good as ever" according to Howe.
The Newcastle manager highlighted the specific threat posed by Greenwood: "He's a very clever attacker from the wide right for Marseille. He's not just a goalscorer, he's also a goal creator. They use him in a clever way - he does his most dangerous work when he drifts infield."
Velodrome Atmosphere and Team Confidence
The Orange Velodrome is renowned as one of Europe's most intimidating venues, though part of the south stand will be closed as punishment for Marseille supporters' recent misconduct. French authorities have implemented strict policing measures, including bans on wearing club colours and avoiding the popular Old Port area.
Howe acknowledged his team's inconsistency: "Lack of consistency has been a problem. We've played well in one-off games but we're looking to recapture the feeling you have when you know you are going to perform well. For the first time since I've been Newcastle manager, we don't know how we're going to play."
Newcastle currently sit sixth in their Champions League group with nine points from four matches, putting automatic qualification for the knockout stages within reach. Meanwhile, Marseille remain in contention for progression despite mixed European form, sitting second in Ligue 1 just two points behind Paris Saint-Germain.
Howe remains optimistic about his team's chances: "Marseille will be really tough but we think we can rise to the challenge. We have a lot of questions we have to answer of ourselves over the next two games here at Marseille and at Everton on Saturday."
