FK Qarabag vs Newcastle Predictions

• Qarabag have scored nine goals in four Champions League home outings
• Both teams have scored in Newcastle’s last six matches
• The Magpies have won only four of their last 15 away games

Magpies may not have things all their own way

Having been unable to buy an away win for much of the season, Newcastle have recorded back-to-back victories on the road at Tottenham and Aston Villa, but there may be nothing routine about their Champions League trip to Azerbaijan.

The Magpies came from a goal behind to defeat Villa 3-1 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday but they were given a helping hand with opposing goalkeeper Marco Bizot sent off on the stroke of half-time for a careless challenge.

However, Eddie Howe’s side have won only three of their last 11 matches and they have failed to win any of their last three Champions League away games, losing at Marseille before draws with Leverkusen and Paris St-Germain.

Qarabag were made to look mediocre in a 6-0 defeat at Liverpool on matchday eight of the League Phase, but their efforts at a hostile home ground were much more like it.

Goals set to flow in Baku

The Azerbaijan champions have beaten Copenhagen 2-0, overcome Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 and played out a 2-2 draw with Chelsea, highlighting the danger that they possess in front of their own fans.

Qarabag also scored twice in a 4-2 defeat to Ajax at home and they could cause plenty of problems for Newcastle, who have been dealt a blow with influential captain Bruno Guimaraes ruled out for two months.

With Joelinton also having spent time on the sidelines of late, Newcastle’s midfield has been hit hard and that for so long has been their biggest strength.

The Magpies have looked leggy and lethargic in a handful of games recently and they have been beaten in eight of their last 15 away outings.

Qarabag, having won seven of their last nine at home, can cause the Premier League side problems and both teams to score looks the best bet on offer.

Gurban Gurbanov’s side scored nine goals in four home games in the Champions League while they also won 3-2 at Benfica and scored in defeat at Athletic Bilbao.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have conceded in seven straight games and have seen both teams score in their last six outings.

If Qarabag are going to have any chance of progressing they need a positive result at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku and that should ensure an entertaining encounter.

Correct-score punters may want to side with a 2-2 draw, which was the outcome when Qarabag hosted Chelsea in the Champions League in November. Newcastle played out score draws in European away trips at Leverkusen and PSG.