Need to know
Newcastle United travel to Qarabag for the Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Wednesday
Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe smiles during the open training session (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Here’s all you need to know about Newcastle’s journey to Qarabag.
- Match Info: The first leg of Newcastle’s knockout play-off is set for Wednesday, February 18, with a kick-off time of 5:45pm GMT. The game will take place at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Azerbaijan.
- TV Channel: TNT Sports 1 will be providing live coverage of the match for viewers in the UK. The broadcast will start just before kick-off, offering expert analysis and pre-match build-up from the stadium.
- Live-Streaming Options: Fans who wish to stream the match can do so via the discovery+ app or website, provided they have a valid subscription. Additionally, those with the TNT Sports add-on through platforms like Amazon Prime Video or BT TV can access the live stream there.
- Radio Coverage: For those on the go, BBC Radio 5 Live will offer comprehensive national radio commentary of the match. Local coverage is also expected to be available via BBC Radio Newcastle for fans in the north-east
- Major Newcastle Injury Blow: Newcastle will be without their captain Bruno Guimaraes, who has been sidelined for roughly two months due to a severe hamstring injury. This is a significant blow for Eddie Howe, as the Brazilian isn’t anticipated to return until after the March international break.
- Additional Newcastle Absences: The team’s injury woes have deepened with Yoane Wissa sidelined after sustaining an injury during training, whilst Fabian Schar remains unavailable until April. Sven Botman is also a significant concern following a persistent back problem that ruled him out of the recent 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa.
- Qarabag Team News: The hosts have been handed a lift with Brazilian midfielder Kady Borges returning to action, having been re-registered for the knockout phase following his recovery from injury. Goalkeeper Amin Ramazanov’s participation remains uncertain, however, with the former Azerbaijan Under-21 international having featured just once since suffering a serious knee injury.
- Match Context and Second Leg Details: The fixture represents the start of an arduous 5,000-mile journey for Newcastle as they aim to book their place in the last 16. The return leg is set to be held at St James’ Park on Tuesday, 24 February, with exclusive coverage available on Amazon Prime Video.