Newcastle Face Historic Journey in Champions League Play-Off Against Qarabag
Newcastle United are set to make football history on Wednesday as they travel to Azerbaijan for the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Qarabag. The Magpies' 2,529-mile trip from Newcastle to Baku marks the longest distance ever covered by an English team for a Champions League away match, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45 pm, broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+.
High-Stakes Encounter in Azerbaijan
This pivotal match represents Newcastle's bid to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time since the 2002/03 season. While the journey is daunting, the opposition could have been far tougher, with heavyweights like Atletico Madrid, Inter, Real Madrid, and current holders Paris St-Germain also in the play-offs after failing to secure top-eight league finishes.
English dominance in the competition is already evident, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City having secured their places. Now, Newcastle aim to join their domestic rivals, despite a challenging away record this season that has seen them win just five games across all competitions.
Betting Predictions Favour Goals Galore
Football betting sites are optimistic about Newcastle's chances, offering odds of 43/100 for an away victory. This confidence stems from Qarabag's defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded two or more goals in each of their last six Champions League matches, totaling 21 goals overall. Only bottom-placed Kairat have conceded more in the competition.
Newcastle's attacking prowess, averaging two goals per game, makes them strong contenders to score multiple times, with odds of 23/10 available for them to net twice. However, their own defensive record—conceding in their last seven matches across all competitions—suggests both teams could find the net, reflected in odds of 10/11 for both teams to score.
Given Qarabag's tendency to score two or more goals in their last six Champions League home games, a high-scoring match is anticipated. Betting markets are offering 11/17 on over 2.5 goals, with over 3.5 goals at 13/8 from Betfred presenting an attractive option for punters.
Harvey Barnes Tipped to Shine
Newcastle's offensive threat is heavily reliant on Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who have been involved in 76% of the team's Champions League goals this season, contributing to 13 of their 17 strikes. Gordon boasts six goals and two assists, while Barnes has five goals and one assist, including a crucial goal against Benfica.
Barnes, whose last goal came in a 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in January, is on the cusp of surpassing his best-ever season tally of 12 goals. The 28-year-old has demonstrated a knack for late goals, scoring the decisive strike five times this season, including a dramatic 90+12-minute winner against Leeds United. Betting apps are offering 11/2 on him scoring the last goal in Azerbaijan, with Betway providing odds of 13/8 for him to score at any time.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Qarabag will be without goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who remains sidelined due to injury. Newcastle face significant absences, with Bruno Guimaraes out until the next international break, joining Joelinton (groin), Tino Livramento (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle), and Emil Krafth (knee) on the injury list. Potential returns include Sven Botman (back), Lewis Miley (thigh), and Yoane Wissa (knock).
Predicted Lineups:
- Qarabag: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran.
- Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
Betting Offers and Responsible Gambling
NetBet is offering a Champions League special for existing customers, providing £5 in free bets for placing a £10 bet builder on the match with three legs or more at odds of 3/1 or greater. Free bets are valid for seven days upon confirmation.
Responsible gambling is paramount. Betting should never be viewed as a means to make money, and it is crucial to wager only what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites offer tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options to help maintain control. If you require assistance with gambling addiction, resources like NHS Help, GambleAware, and Gamblers Anonymous are available for support.
All odds and offers are accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change, with terms and conditions applying.
