Newcastle United arrive in Marseille in a buoyant mood after stitching together their best run of the season and producing a statement win over Manchester City on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side have taken maximum points in the Champions League since their opening defeat to Barcelona.
They have not conceded a goal in Europe during that stretch, a turnaround that has reshaped their campaign after an uncertain start.
Their 2-1 win against City over the weekend strengthened the feeling that Newcastle have rediscovered the intensity and edge that defined their rise under Howe.
They pressed aggressively, defended with conviction and showed a resilience that had been missing earlier in the season.
Their European form has mirrored that progress, with victories over Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao providing control and consistency.
This trip to Marseille presents a different type of examination for a team still growing into Champions League life.
Newcastle may be operating at a higher level than at any stage this season, but they are also navigating a competition in which their pedigree is still relatively modest.
They should have too much for a Marseille side that has spent most of the league phase fighting to stay in contention.
Marseille’s continental form has been miserable, marked by late collapses, narrow defeats and a lack of cutting edge in matches where small moments have defined the outcome.
They have been beaten by Sporting CP, Real Madrid and Atalanta, and they have little margin for error against one of the form teams of the competition.
Their domestic story is very different, and that contrast gives this fixture an element of uncertainty.
Marseille have looked sharper in Ligue 1, which should give them the belief they can unsettle a Newcastle side still adjusting to the demands of European away fixtures.
This match should underline whether the difficulties of Europe and the threat of a motivated Marseille side can disrupt the rhythm Newcastle have worked hard to establish.
