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Can Newcastle build on from their 4-0 thumping of PSG with another win against Borussia Dortmund tonight?
Newcastle United will be facing Borussia Dortmund another ‘group of death’ fixture in Group F of this season’s UEFA Champions League with both sides knowing that a win will go a long way in their efforts to get to the round of 16.
Eddie Howe’s side have bounced back after a sluggish start as they dismantled a usually resilient Crystal Palace 4-0 at home at the weekend.
They have also turned St. James’ Park into something of a fortress in the process. And they have now won five straight games there and only conceded one goal.
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11:30 - 25.10.2023
FOOTBALL Former Arsenal star leads praise for Maguire & Onana after Man United villains turn into heroes in victory over Copenhagen
The former Arsenal midfielder was delighted to see Maguire and Onana silence their haters as fans lauded the duo for stepping up to help Manchester United secure a dramatic win
Liverpool are the only team to have won at St. James’ Park this season. The Magpies look to have coped with European football pretty well, blowing PSG away after a rather dull opening encounter with AC Milan.
Gaining another three points at home would move Howe’s side into a promising position to qualify for the knockout stages. On the other hand, it would give Dortmund a nearly impossible task to escape the group.
Although Dortmund are unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, they have struggled for points in the group of death.
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10:47 - 12.10.2023
FOOTBALL Ball boy kicked by Chelsea legend Eden Hazard now worth Ksh. 26.1 billion
The ball boy that Eden Hazard kicked back in 2013 in Chelsea’s loss to Swansea City has gone on to become filthy rich.
Eden Terzic will be hoping his side can change their fortunes in Europe. They lost 2-0 in Paris and were then held to a goalless draw by Milan.
Team news:
Newcastle
Howe is dealing with a number of injury problems, although they have coped very well with several key players missing the majority of the current season.
Sven Botman (knee), Harvey Barnes (foot), Joe Willock (calf), and Lewis Miley (illness) will not make the game.
Sandro Tonali’s potential ban has left Newcastle with another selection dilemma for this game. Although a potential lengthy ban for breaching Italian betting rules hangs around Sandro Tonali’s neck, the former AC Milan playmaker remains available for selection at the moment.
Howe has the luxury of calling upon two excellent strikers at his disposal Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, and Wilson in particular, will want to prove himself after a good outing at the week against Crystal Palace.
The former Bournemouth man has scored in four of his last six games for the Magpies and was on hand to round off Saturday’s 4-0 win over the Eagles. So, he will be eager to prove himself at the Champions League level by scoring his first goal in the competition.
However, the Englishman could be benched in favor of Sweden’s Isak, who continues to do well when given the opportunity in a black-and-white-striped shirt. Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon could partner him in the Newcastle attack.
Jacob Murphy scored and set up another two goals against Crystal Palace last time out.
However, he will have to contend with a substitute appearance here. The goalkeeper and the backline are expected to remain the same as in the Palace victory, with Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier taking their spots at the back.
Bruno Guimaraes will form a triumvirate in midfield with Sean Longstaff and Joelinton.
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14:00 - 15.10.2023
‘I nearly cried’ - Thierry Henry reveals why his goal against Leeds on his Arsenal return in 2012 was the best of his career
Despite all the wonder goals he scored during his successful career, Thierry Henry has ranked the FA Cup strike against Leeds in 2012 as the one that gives him the most joy
Undefeated on the domestic front, Borussia Dortmund have shown plenty of character to bounce back from last season’s heartbreaking Bundesliga finale. Terzic’s pragmatic approach at Borussia Dortmund is paying dividends.
Dortmund will be without Mateu Morey, Youssoufa Moukoko, Julien Duranville, and likely Thomas Meunier for their trip to St. James’ Park, although those players are primarily backup options. Marcel Sabitzer made his return from an adductor issue as a substitute in the 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen. But Terzic may opt for a more defensive-minded double pivot of Emre Can and Salih Ozcan.
Marco Reus may be 34 years old now, but the German international is still the heart and soul of this side, having scored three goals in the Bundesliga in six games so far.
Having taken little time to assess his new surroundings since a transfer deadline-day move from Werder Bremen, Niclas Fullkrug will spearhead the line for Dortmund, with support from Julian Brandt and Donyell Malen.
Giovanni Reyna had an impactful performance in the club’s clash with Bremen this past weekend. But the USMNT international will have to contend with a spot on the bench. Like Howe, Terzic will most likely play the same back-five, which will comprise goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and the defensive line of Julian Ryerson, Nico Schlotterbeck, Matt Hummels, and Marius Wolf.
Newcastle’s probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Borrusia Dortmund’s Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Ozcan; Brandt, Reus, Malen, Fullkrug
Match Statistics:
Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions.
Borussia Dortmund have failed to score in each of their last three Champions League games.
Borussia Dortmund have tasted just one victory in their last seven Champions League away games.
Newcastle United have scored ten goals in their last three home fixtures.
Borussia Dortmund have lost their last six away games against English sides across all competitions.
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15:51 - 19.10.2023
Arsenal star Ramsdale says his dad was drunk before having a go at Carragher
Aaron Ramsdale has said that his father drank a few beers before criticising Jamie Carragher on social media.
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