Newcastle Face Tough Test in Azerbaijan

Newcastle United is set to play Qarabag in Azerbaijan for a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff match. The Magpies, who finished 12th in the previous round, face a Qarabag side that ranked 21st. This opening leg is expected to be a difficult contest for Eddie Howe's team.

Historically, Qarabag has struggled against English teams, though they secured a notable draw against Chelsea at home. Their domestic form has been strong, but their European home record shows fewer successes, with wins against weaker opponents.

Newcastle has recently improved their performance, securing wins against Tottenham and Aston Villa. However, their away form remains a concern, having won only one of their last four Champions League away games and limited success on the road in the Premier League.

Qarabag's defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding 21 goals in the competition's league phase, the highest among most teams. Despite Liverpool scoring six against them, they consistently let in at least two goals in most matches.

The prediction for this match is a 2-2 draw, suggesting a closely contested game that may favor Newcastle in the second leg. Betting tips suggest a draw, over 2.5 goals, and Qarabag scoring in the first half, highlighting a potentially high-scoring affair.