Newcastle United is gearing up to face Ligue 1’s Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, with the team aiming for their fourth consecutive victory in the Champions League. Having already triumphed over Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica, and Athletic Club while netting nine goals and maintaining three clean sheets, the Magpies are poised to take a significant step towards the knockout stages of the competition.
Manager Eddie Howe recently celebrated his 100th victory at the helm following Newcastle’s 2-1 win at Manchester City. The team welcomes back key player Anthony Gordon, who has scored four goals in this year’s Champions League campaign, alongside Dan Burn, who returns from a one-match suspension. However, Kieran Trippier will not be traveling with the squad due to injury.
In a recent pre-match media briefing, Howe addressed team news and strategies for the upcoming game. He stated, “We are good, boosted by the result against Manchester City. Team news wise, we are similar; we welcome back Dan Burn from suspension, and Anthony Gordon and Emil Krafth have traveled with us.” He revealed that the availability of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall is still to be determined, underscoring the importance of their long-term fitness especially with Trippier’s ongoing injury issues.
Howe emphasized the significance of squad rotation, reiterating his confidence in the depth of the team. He remarked, “Trusting the squad is really important. We have some very good players who will be desperate to play.” The manager acknowledged that while every match poses its own challenges, it is crucial to select the players best suited for each specific game.
Looking ahead to the match, Howe expressed enthusiasm for the challenge posed by playing in such a vibrant environment. He remarked, “The stadium is incredible, a great place to play football and I’m sure the atmosphere will be red hot. All these things, for me, are positive but we need that to make our performance stronger.”
As the team prepares, Howe noted the differences between Champions League matches and regular Premier League fixtures. The squad has arrived early to train at the stadium, ensuring they stay mentally engaged and ready for the tactical challenges that await. He highlighted the importance of the midfield battle and the need for technical proficiency, indicating that Newcastle feels confident about meeting this challenge head-on.
With high hopes for the upcoming match, Newcastle is ready to showcase their strong form and solid squad depth as they continue their quest for success in the Champions League.