At St. James’ Park on 24 February 2026, Newcastle host Qarabag in what appears to be little more than a formality after the emphatic 6-1 victory in Baku a week ago. The English side effectively settled the tie in the first leg, leaving this return fixture with minimal competitive tension.
Newcastle executed their game plan ruthlessly in Azerbaijan, combining high pressing with clinical finishing to dismantle their opponents. However, with such a commanding aggregate lead, rotation is highly probable given the congested schedule. Eddie Howe is likely to rest key players and offer opportunities to squad members who have seen limited minutes.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Despite expectations of a more measured contest, Both Teams to Score carries appeal. Newcastle’s likely defensive rotations and Qarabag’s desire to restore pride suggest opportunities at both ends.
Qarabag’s Champions League debut has already exceeded expectations, and even after the heavy first-leg defeat, their away resilience remains noteworthy. They may approach this match with a compact defensive shape, seeking to limit further damage while aiming to score at least once to salvage confidence. With Newcastle’s defensive unit potentially altered, transitional moments or set pieces could present realistic chances for the visitors.
The overall tempo may be lower than usual for a European night at St. James’ Park. Newcastle are unlikely to chase the match aggressively, focusing instead on control and injury avoidance. Qarabag, meanwhile, have little to lose and could take calculated risks once settled.
