NEWCASTLEUNITED
European nights return to Tyneside
Fans of the Geordie club have had to be patient when it comes to savouring magic moments in Europe. Only an infrequent continental competitor, Newcastle have made a European splash on just three previous occasions: winning the old Fairs Cup in 1968-69, reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup in1996-97 and progressing to the second round group phase of the 2002-03 Champions League, a memorable campaign in which they managed to beat the likes of Juventus, Dynamo Kyiv, Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen. The Magpies have not played in the Champions League since, hence the heightened state of anticipation at St James’ Park.
All credit to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who was appointed manager in November 2021 following a Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of the club. Transforming Premier League relegation candidates into a top-four side is quite a feat and, although he has been backed financially, it’s been the result of intelligent, pragmatic spending rather than recklessly throwing wads of cash around.
Where will £55m man Sandro Tonali be used by Eddie Howe?
The Italian international is likely to be deployed in one of the number eight positions either side of Bruno Guimaraes. An excellent all-rounder, Tonali combines great defensive qualities – strength in the tackle and pronounced work ethic – with creativity. A playmaker with dynamism and intensity, he looks tailor-made for English football.
Do Newcastle have enough Champions League experience?
It’s a 50-50 call. Manager Howe has never worked at this level before and most of the squad are completely new to the European elite. A sharp learning curve awaits them all. What is vital is that the players with Champions League know-how – Tonali, centre-back Sven Botman and full-back Kieran Trippier – be up to the mark as guiding lights.
Who is in pole position for the central striker role: Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson?
