NEWCASTLE make their return to the Champions League on Tuesday night after 20 long years away.
And for their first assignment, they’ve been given an enticing trip to AC Milan.
It doesn’t get much more glamorous in this competition than a trip to one of European football’s grand old cathedrals, the San Siro.
Newcastle fans will have the hairs standing up on the backs of their necks as the Champions League’s iconic anthem is blasted out as the sun sets around Milan.
But while it will be an occasion to savour for all involved with the Toon, boss Eddie Howe will be making one thing abundantly clear to his players.
That this will be an extremely tough game.
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While Newcastle are new to this level, Milan have been steadily improving in Europe under Stefano Pioli.
Last season they were able to escape a group featuring Chelsea, Red Bull Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb.
They subsequently managed to make it all the way to the semi-finals, toppling Tottenham in North London and Italian champions-elect Napoli on their way.
After being defeated by their fiercest rivals Inter in the semis, however, Pioli and Co will be desperate to go one better this time around.
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This is bound to be an extremely competitive group, with Paris Saint-Germain hosting Borussia Dortmund across Europe in its other match on Tuesday night.
So every game really matters, and Newcastle will be desperate to come away from Milan with something.
The Toon are bound to learn plenty from their first taste of top-tier European football in a generation.
But they’ll hope to not be handed too harsh a lesson by their wily European veteran opponents.
What is their form like?
Newcastle head into tomorrow’s match on the back of an important 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday.
Callum Wilson’s 64th minute penalty settled some St James’ Park nerves as the Magpies got back to winning ways following three consecutive defeats.
Losses at Manchester City and Brighton sandwiched an extraordinary late collapse against ten-man Liverpool – denting the optimism prompted by the opening day 5-1 trouncing of Aston Villa.
Milan are set to come out as wounded animals after being humiliated by their rivals Inter on Saturday.
The Rossoneri were battered 5-1 by a rampant Inter, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s brace followed by goals for Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi – although Rafael Leao did pull one back.
Prior to the shocking derby day defeat, Milan had won their opening three matches of the season.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Newcastle will still have to do without influential midfielder Joe Willock on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old has been struggling with an Achilles issue and isn’t expected back until next month at the earliest.
Howe is also set to be without Joelinton for his first Champions League match as a manager, while Emil Krafth is a long-term absentee.
Defender Pierre Kalulu missed Saturday’s collapse against Inter for AC Milan and is set to be out once again against the Toon.
His centre-back partner Fikayo Tomori will return, however, having been ruled out of the Inter clash by suspension.
Midfielder Ismael Bennacer is a long-term absentee having undergone knee surgery in May.
Who will be the star men?
AC Milan will be hoping that Rafael Leao can be the star of the show when Newcastle come to town on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese livewire has already grabbed two goals and an assist in four games this term – while creating seven chances.
It will be a big night for Sandro Tonali, meanwhile, with the midfielder making a quick return to the club he left for Newcastle in the summer.
The midfielder has already grabbed his first goal for the Toon, while he has also created three chances and made four tackles.
What have the managers said?
“We always live in hope that if we produce our best performance, we can beat anybody,” Howe said over the weekend.
“I do believe that. Bringing that A-game, bringing that to the table at the very highest level, isn’t easy but I back the players and I know if we can reach that level, we can be a match for any team.”
Meanwhile, Pioli added: “We had a lot of faith and positivity for the derby but it didn’t go well, there’s no point hiding it.
“It was a big disappointment, but we have the Champions League and that is good as it’s the only way to switch.”
SunSport prediction:
It could be a tough night for Newcastle as they return to the Champions League, with AC Milan’s extra experience possibly a deciding factor.
With Fikayo Tomori back from suspension, Milan won’t be as leaky as they were against Inter at the weekend, and they have the quality in attack to hurt the Toon.
SunSport says: AC Milan 2 Newcastle 1
When is AC Milan vs Newcastle?
- Newcastle’s opening Champions League Group F encounter against AC Milan will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday, September 19.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 5:45pm BST.
- San Siro in Milan, Italy is the allocated arena for this blockbuster match and the iconic stadium can host around 80,018 fans.
- This will be the first time these footballing giants have competitively met.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- AC Milan vs Newcastle will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1.
- Coverage is scheduled to commence from 5pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the game on the TNT Sports website.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the entire action through our live blog which includes pre-match and post-match reaction.
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What are the odds?
- AC Milan to win 6/4
- Draw 12/5
- Newcastle to win 33/20
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
