Qarabag vs Newcastle Champions League Play-Off: TV Channel, Kick-Off Time, and How to Watch
Newcastle United aim to secure a vital advantage in their Champions League knockout play-off as they travel to face Azerbaijani side Qarabag in a high-stakes encounter. The Magpies narrowly missed automatic qualification for the last 16 after a hard-fought draw with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on the final matchday, a result that showcased resilience but ultimately left them needing this play-off round.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The crucial clash is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026, with kick-off at 5:45 PM GMT. The match will be held at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, presenting a significant logistical challenge for Newcastle due to the over 2,500-mile journey.
In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage commencing at 5:00 PM GMT. For those preferring online streaming, the match will be available to subscribers via the discovery+ platform, ensuring fans have multiple options to follow the action.
Team News and Injury Updates
Qarabag will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who is sidelined with a long-term injury. However, the Azerbaijani outfit boasts attacking threats in Camilo Duran and Leandro Andrade, who are expected to lead the line and test Newcastle's defence.
Newcastle face a major setback with the absence of captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is ruled out for eight weeks due to injury. He joins Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth on the treatment table, depleting Eddie Howe's squad. Additionally, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, and Yoane Wissa are under evaluation, but their chances of starting are considered doubtful, adding to the manager's selection headaches.
Predicted Line-Ups and Tactical Outlook
Qarabag are likely to field a lineup featuring Kochalski in goal, with a defensive quartet of Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, and Cafarquliyev. In midfield, Bicalho and Jankovic are expected to anchor, while Andrade, Montiel, and Zoubir support striker Duran in attack.
Newcastle's predicted XI includes Pope in goal, with Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, and Hall forming the backline. Ramsey and Tonali are set to control the midfield, with Elanga, Willock, and Gordon providing width and creativity behind striker Woltemade.
Context and Expectations
Eddie Howe is under increasing pressure due to Newcastle's poor domestic form, making this European fixture a potential respite and opportunity to salvage the season. Despite the travel demands and injury woes, Newcastle are considered strong favourites to progress, given a favourable draw and their experience at this level.
Qarabag, however, will draw motivation from their underdog status, especially after a heavy 6-0 defeat to Liverpool in their last outing, and could pose an upset threat if Newcastle's fatigue from the long journey becomes a factor. This match promises to be a tense and pivotal encounter in the Champions League play-off round.
