Preview: FK Qarabag vs Newcastle United Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Playoffs first-leg

These clubs are going to face one another for the first time.

FK Qarabag are now gearing up to take on Newcastle United for their first-leg playoffs fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. This is going to be an interesting outing, taking place at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.

The Azerbaijan Premier League side have been doing well in their domestic competition, but the upcoming UCL contest is going to be a tough one for them. They will be at home and must use it to their advantage so that they can stay ahead going into the second leg. FK Qarabag will be keen to come up with a top strategy to outplay their opponents.

Newcastle United managed to win four of their eight UEFA Champions League games during the league phase, but it was not enough for them to get to the next stage. The Magpies will be away from home for their first leg of the knockout playoffs and it can become a pressurising situation for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
• Stadium: Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium
• Date: Wednesday, February 18
• Kick-off Time: 11:15 p.m. IST/ 05:45 p.m. GMT/ 12:45 p.m. ET/ 09:45 a.m. PT
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Qarabag: L-L-W-W-W

Newcastle: L-L-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Camilo Duran (Qarabag)

Camilo Duran is going to play a crucial role in the final third for FK Qarabag. He has scored four goals in eight UCL appearances in the ongoing campaign. He will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against the Magpies. Duran will be keen to come up with a top performance, which can be useful for the hosts.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

In eight UEFA Champions League fixtures this season, Anthony Gordon has eight goal involvements and will be eager to add more to his tally. The Englishman is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence. He can play multiple positions on the field, making him a vital part of the squad.

Match Facts

• Newcastle United are on a two-match winning streak.
• FK Qarabag have secured back-to-back wins in their last three matches.
• This will be the first-ever confrontation between these clubs.

Qarabag vs Newcastle: Betting Tips and Odds

• Newcastle United to win @5/12 Unibet
• Anthony Gordon to score @7/4 SkyBet
• Goals over 3.5 @13/8 bet365

Injury and Team News

FK Qarabag have all their players fit and ready to be in action.

Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Valentino Livramento and Emil Krafth are not going to be in action for Newcastle United. They are injured. Lewis Miley might also sit out due to a lack of fitness.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 0

Qarabag won: 0

Newcastle won: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Qarabag predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Kochalski (GK); Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Durán

Newcastle predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Pope (GK); Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes; Gordon

Match Prediction

Neither of these clubs can afford to lose here. Newcastle United are likely to come out on top to secure a win against FK Qarabag in their upcoming UEFA Champions League playoffs clash.

Prediction: Qarabag 1-3 Newcastle

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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