As the Champions League knockout stage unfolds as seen in this preview, one of the most intriguing journeys leads to Baku, where the Azerbaijani champions Qarabag host the Premier League’s Newcastle United. Qarabag have made history by reaching the knockout rounds of the UCL for the first time, sneaking through the league phase with grit and a formidable home record at the Tofiq Bakhramov Stadium. Newcastle, meanwhile, are navigating their own European resurgence, having finished 12th in the league phase but arriving in Azerbaijan with a squad stretched by a dense domestic schedule.
Punters looking for an edge will find this match preview particularly compelling due to the extreme travel distance and contrasting form. Newcastle face a grueling 5-hour flight and a four-hour time difference, factors that often level the playing field against technically superior opposition. Qarabag have already proven they can trouble English sides on home soil, and with Eddie Howe missing key personnel in midfield, the “Horsemen” will fancy their chances of an upset. If you are looking to place your bets on this historic first meeting, we recommend checking out Betano for the latest markets and competitive odds.
Qarabag vs Newcastle match preview
Team Recent Form
- Qarabag: W-W-L-W-L
- Newcastle: W-W-L-L-L
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Key Stats
- Home Fortress: Qarabag have won 12 of their 19 home matches across all competitions this season, including notable European victories over Copenhagen and Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Travel Sickness: Newcastle United have struggled on the road in Europe, registering only two victories in their previous 15 away fixtures on the continent.
- Goal Guarantee: Newcastle have failed to keep a clean sheet in 14 of their last 16 Champions League away matches, while Qarabag have seen “Both Teams to Score” (BTTS) land in five of their eight league phase games.
Correct Score Prediction
Qarabag 2-2 Newcastle. This fixture has all the hallmarks of a high-scoring stalemate. Qarabag’s attacking structure under Gurban Gurbanov is well-organized and has produced 13 goals in the competition so far, mostly in Baku. Newcastle’s defensive unit is currently decimated by injuries to Fabian Schär and Sven Botman, which Qarabag’s Camilo Duran will look to exploit. However, the Magpies’ frontline—led by Anthony Gordon—has yet to record a blank in the UCL this term. For those eyeing a high-scoring draw, Betano offers enticing odds on the correct score markets.
Qarabag vs Newcastle H2H
- First Meeting: This Wednesday marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Qarabag and Newcastle United.
- English Struggle: Qarabag have a poor historical record against English teams, losing 8 of their last 9 encounters, though they recently secured a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
- Knockout Newbies: Both clubs are making their debut appearance in the Champions League knockout phase this season.
- Away Concessions: Newcastle have conceded at least one goal in 88% of their Champions League away trips since the start of last season.
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Pre-game Odds
- Qarabag Win: 6.50
- Draw: 4.80
- Newcastle Win: 1.44
To see the latest odds and betting markets, visit Betano.
Team News Qarabag
The hosts enter this tie with a nearly full-strength squad. The only notable absentee is first-choice goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, meaning Mateusz Kochalski will start between the sticks. Brazilian midfielder Kady Borges has been specifically re-registered for the knockout rounds and is expected to play a vital role in the creative engine room alongside Abdellah Zoubir.
Team News Newcastle
Eddie Howe is dealing with a significant injury crisis. Captain Bruno Guimarães is sidelined for two months with a hamstring issue, joining long-term absentees Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and Tino Livramento. There are also late fitness tests for Joelinton and Lewis Miley. Sandro Tonali is expected to anchor the midfield in Guimarães’ absence, while Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes will likely flank the attack.
Predicted Line-ups
Qarabag (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Ramsey; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes.
Qarabag vs Newcastle betting tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Draw.
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes.
For a premium betting experience and a wide selection of Champions League prop bets, we recommend Betano.
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