Newcastle United will welcome Qarabag to St James' Park on Tuesday, 24 February, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie.
The hosts come into the match with a commanding 6-1 advantage following their heroics in Azerbaijan last week, which should mean a relaxing night for Eddie Howe and the club's supporters on Tuesday.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Newcastle vs Qarabag prediction below.
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Newcastle vs Qarabag prediction: The hosts to cruise to victory
Key Stats
- Newcastle have won their last three home Champions League matches to nil.
- Qarabag lost 6-0 on their last visit to England – a league phase match against Liverpool earlier this season.
- Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more Champions League goals than Anthony Gordon this season.
Correct score prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Qarabag
Last week proved that Qarabag are at least a couple of levels below Newcastle, and that should be amplified even more at St James' Park. However, Eddie Howe is likely to play a heavily rotated side, which should prevent the Magpies from matching the six they scored last week.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Newcastle are red-hot favourites
- HOME: 2/13 (1.15) – 86.7%
- DRAW: 15/2 (8.50) 11.8%
- AWAY: 14/1 (15.00) – 6.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Newcastle vs Qarabag odds indicate that the St James' Park crowd should expect another heavy Newcastle victory on Tuesday night. Ladbrokes have given the Magpies an 86.7% chance of winning the match, while Qarabag have been given just a 6.7% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Only their second ever encounter
Last week's clash in Baku was the first time that Newcastle and Qarabag had ever faced each other before, meaning this will be the visitors' first-ever trip to St James' Park.
UEFA Champions League 18/02/26
FK Qarabag
Newcastle
Newcastle preview: Changes should happen
With the tie all but done, Howe has no reason to risk anyone on Tuesday night. As a result, fringe players such as William Osula and Joe Willock can expect starts. Malick Thiaw is guaranteed to miss the match due to suspension, while Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento are all injured.
Predicted lineup: Ramsdale (GK), Trippier, Botman, Burn, A. Murphy, Joelinton, Willock, Tonali, Gordon, Osula, Barnes
Last five results
- 21/02/26: Man City 2-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
- 18/02/26: Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle (Champions League)
- 14/02/26: Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle (FA Cup)
- 10/02/26: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle (Premier League)
- 07/02/26: Newcastle 2-3 Brentford (Premier League)
Qarabag preview: Playing for pride
Qarabag will still field their strongest possible XI here as the opportunity to play against Premier League opposition is one that provides their squad with the ultimate test. The only injury concern in the visitor's camp is Bahlul Mustafazada, who was forced off in the first half last week.
Predicted lineup: Kochalski (GK), Silva, Bolt, Huseynov, Medina, Cafarquliyev, Jankovic, Bicalho, Montiel, Duran, Zubir
Last five results
- 18/02/26: Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle (Champions League)
- 14/02/26: Imisli FK 0- 1 Qarabag (Azerbaijan Premier League)
- 10/02/26: Shamakhi 1-2 Qarabag (Azerbaijan Premier League)
- 05/02/26: Shamakhi 2-1 Qarabag (Azerbaijan Cup)
- 01/02/26: Qarabag 1-0 Turan (Azerbaijan Premier League)
Player to watch: Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon was the star of the show last week, and although the tie is done and dusted, he is one man who will be desperate to start on Tuesday as he looks to finish the season as the competition's top scorer. The former Everton man is already on ten UCL goals this season, but trails Mbappe by three goals. Can he gain some ground on Tuesday?