Union St. Gilloise v Newcastle: Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Union St. Gilloise v Newcastle

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is relishing the challenge posed by Union St. Gilloise as the Magpies aim to kick-start their Champions League campaign with a victory in Belgium on Wednesday.

The Magpies suffered a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in their first game of the league phase, a pair of stunning efforts from Marcus Rashford proving their undoing in a pulsating encounter at St James’ Park.

Newcastle will have to adapt to very different surroundings for their meeting with the Belgium champions, which will take place at a neutral venue. Anderlecht’s Constant Vanden Stock Stadium will host the encounter, as Union’s Joseph Marien Stadium does not meet UEFA requirements.

The Belgian champions have made an outstanding start to the season. They are top of the Pro League with five wins and two draws from seven games, and beat PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in their opening game of the Champions League.

As such, Howe knows not to take Union lightly and, after a heartbreaking late Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday that left Newcastle with six points from as many games, is hoping this clash can be the tonic the team needs.

“They have started the season very strongly; they had a good result against PSV, Howe told a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“Tactically, they are interesting, and they will give us a physical threat with two big strikers. We know it will be an important game on our Champions League journey, but a tough one.

“This will be a good challenge for us at a time in the season where we need to perform.”

Union boss Sebastien Pocognoli, meanwhile, indicated his side will go into the game with no fear despite their status as underdogs.

“I expect a very physical match,” Pocognoli said.

“We’ll have to be at one hundred percent and give everything. We’ll have to be there from the very first second. It’s the only way to go into a match like this with any ambition.

“We’re ambitious, but also realistic. I’m not going to put a percentage on how much of a chance we have. We simply have to do everything we can to maximise that percentage. We’re not setting a specific goal for this campaign. 

“We’ve started well and are taking it one match at a time. We’ll see where that takes us. It’s a real challenge. I’m curious to see where we stand in Europe.”

Team News for Union St. Gilloise v Newcastle

Newcastle are set to welcome back Fabian Schar from a concussion, but full-back Tino Livramento is out after being taken off on a stretcher with a knee injury against Arsenal.

Jacob Murphy is managing an Achilles issue, and it would be no surprise to see Anthony Elanga replace him on the right wing for this one.

Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle) remain sidelined. It is hoped they will be able to return after the international break.

Howe said of his team selection: “We will make a decision after training on how the players look physically.

“Arsenal was a big test for us, physically and mentally. We will try and make the right decision in terms of team selection to make sure everyone is fresh.”

Prediction for Union St. Gilloise v Newcastle