Two Newcastle stars at risk of ban ahead of last 16 clash with Barcelona or Chelsea

Newcastle United host Qarabag at St James’ Park tonight hoping to progress to the last 16 and they go into the game with an impressive 6 -1 lead following the first leg tie in Baku last week.

United will be without defender Malick Thiaw who picked up a yellow card in the victory and will have to serve a one match ban.

UEFA rules state if a player receives three yellow cards before the quarter-final stage they will receive a one-match ban, and two other Mags are at risk heading into tonight’s 8pm kick-off. 

Dan Burn and Joelinton are both a booking away from also serving a ban in the competition. Due to injuries at centre-back and in midfield, the pair may start, but they’ll have to watch their step.

A yellow for either and they will be ruled out of any last 16 first leg, which will see us take on Barcelona or Chelsea at St James’ Park on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th March.

The question is, will both start, or will Eddie Howe opt to rest both, ensuring they aren’t at risk of missing next month’s first leg?

Speaking at his press conference yesterday, Howe said: “We’ll look at the squad and try to pick a strong team. We want to win the game, that’s the first target. In some senses we want to keep a good rhythm with the players.

“It’s a delicate balance between rotating the squad and making sure everyone’s fresh and also making sure players don’t lose rhythm and we don’t lose the good feeling we’ve had.”

Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa are expected to be fit after resuming training on Monday, which is good timing for Eddie Howe with Thiaw banned.

Howe said: “We hope they’ll be involved. We’ll see how they are when they wake up tomorrow, but fingers crossed they will be.”

Barring a miracle Newcastle will find out their last 16 opponents on Friday when the draw is conducted at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.