Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Tuesday night with one foot firmly in the Champions League last 16 after their emphatic 6-1 first-leg victory over Qarabag.
Eddie Howe’s side produced a ruthless display in Azerbaijan last week to establish a five-goal cushion that leaves this second leg close to a formality.
Anthony Gordon’s four-goal haul headlined a dominant performance that effectively settled the tie before half-time in the first meeting.
Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also scored as Newcastle overwhelmed their hosts with pace and precision.
Despite their commanding position, Howe will demand professionalism and intensity from his players on home soil.
Newcastle’s momentum was checked at the weekend by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, a result that exposed defensive lapses at key moments.
While the performance at the Etihad Stadium was competitive, the loss served as a reminder that standards must remain high.
St James’ Park has not been the fortress it once was in recent weeks, with Newcastle suffering three defeats in their last four home matches in all competitions.
That record adds further incentive to deliver a convincing display in front of their supporters.
Qarabag travel to Tyneside with little realistic hope but with pride still at stake.
The Azerbaijani champions have shown resilience in this season’s competition, notably claiming notable results earlier in the campaign.
However, defensive vulnerabilities have been brutally exposed in successive heavy defeats.
They conceded six goals against Newcastle in the first leg and have struggled to contain elite attacking units throughout the tournament.
Howe is likely to rotate selectively, avoiding wholesale changes to maintain rhythm and control.
Game management will be crucial, particularly in the early stages, when Qarabag may press aggressively.
An early Newcastle goal would extinguish any lingering doubt and allow the hosts to control proceedings.
The Magpies know that qualification should be secured, barring an extraordinary collapse.
