Champions League — Newcastle vs. Athletic Bilbao – Match Preview

Newcastle United return to Champions League action on Wednesday against Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park, seeking a third straight group-stage win after back-to-back clean-sheet victories over Union SG and Benfica.

Eddie Howe’s side sit in the top two of the standings on goal difference, with six points from three matches and ranked eighth in the league table.

Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Benfica followed a 4-0 triumph in Belgium, extending their strong European home record. However, Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham exposed ongoing issues away from home, and Howe criticised his team’s lack of “dynamism” and “energy.”

Athletic Bilbao arrive after a 3-2 loss to Real Sociedad, their fourth defeat in six matches, and a damaging one considering the nature of the Basque derbi.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have won only two of their last 11 games in all competitions, but beat Qarabag 3-1 in their previous Champions League outing. The Basque club has struggled on the road, losing four of its last five away fixtures, and has not beaten an English team away since the 1990s.

Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes are both doubts due to illness. Tino Livramento, Yoane Wissa and Harrison Ashby remain sidelined, while Lewis Hall could return after recovering from a thigh injury. Anthony Gordon faces a late fitness test after a hip issue, with Harvey Barnes likely to replace him if needed.

Athletic will be without Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Yuri Berchiche, Benat Prados, and Yeray Alvarez, taking a lot of appeal off this game before the ball even gets rolling—but making it an incredible opportunity for NUFC to grab three more points and inch closer to clinching a knockout-stage spot.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

YOUTUBE

On team-news….

“There’s been a bit of illness going through the squad because that’s various players that have picked something up. Sandro initially, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier and now Bruno.

“We’re making a decision on Bruno tomorrow. He’s such an important player for us but he’s clearly not been himself and that’s why he missed training today.”

On bouncing back from Sunday’s 3-1 defeat against West Ham…

“There’s always a feeling of frustration and different emotions when you play that way that you then try and use to your advantage for the future. “Historically, we’ve responded pretty well. We’ve tried to use performances like that as a catalyst for better, trying to learn from the experience.

“It’s not the first time and it’s not going to be the last. With the amount of games, you’re going to have dips in performance but it’s about controlling that and even when you don’t play well, you can still win and we didn’t deliver that aspect on Sunday.”

On returning to Champions League action…

“It’s a really important game for us. We know what we have ahead in the Champions League. Athletic Club will provide stiff opposition. Very good defensive team.

“Off the ball, they’ve delivered some really strong performances. Our attacking game is going to have to be at its very best. Champions League nights are always very special.”

On delivering consistent results:

“I think we’re well aware of the season. We’re right in the midst of a run of games that are hugely enjoyable but hugely challenging. We’re disappointed with our Premier League form and the inability to string consistent results together. “Our recent run of games [in all competitions] hasn’t been too bad. Results wise, it’s actually been pretty strong but in the Premier League, in particular, we haven’t got those back-to-back wins to elevate ourselves.”

On Nick Woltemade, who has netted six goals in all competitions for the Magpies so far this season:

“We’re well aware we’ve thrust him into every game, near enough. I thought he looked a little bit fatigued and taking him off [at West Ham] was the case of making a decision I felt would benefit the team and Nick going forward because he’s carrying a lot of load on his shoulders. If at any stage I feel he is fatigued I need to act to help him.”

Howay!

• Date: Wednesday, November 5th
• Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
• Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)

For all your watching needs, check LiveSoccerTV.

Source: Sports Yahoo