Eddie Howe will battle with a huge European force of AC Milan in midweek. The last time these two sides met was at the start of the season when Newcastle came back from the San Siro with a memorable point - One which shouldn't be discredited.
Since then, a lot has happened. Many of the players who featured in that match in Italy won't be featuring this week for Eddie Howe. Mostly through injuries, which we will address later in the preview, but there is also a suspension which is interesting for both sides.
Without further ado, here's the Newcastle vs AC Milan preview.
Newcastle vs AC Milan preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
First, let's start by outlining the finer details of the match.
How to watch Newcastle vs AC Milan on TV
When is kick off? Wednesday 13 December
What time is kick off? 20:00 (BST)
Where is it played? St James' Park, Newcastle
TV channel/live stream? TNT Sports 1 / discovery+
Newcastle team news
The home side have most of the injury concerns heading into this match but this isn't new for Eddie Howe, who has dealt with the same injury crisis for a long time now.
Nick Pope will miss this match through a shoulder injury, meaning Martin Dubravka is the likely replacement between the sticks. However, Eddie Howe has recently claimed that Dubravka's fitness is "unclear" with Karius ready to step in if needed. His defensive trio of Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Dan Burn will also miss this match, although Botman is close to his return from injury.
There are also some midfield concerns to contemplate, as three of the strongest midfielders are unavailable for selection. Sandro Tonali is suspended from this match for betting breeches which occured during his time with the travelling side in this match. Furthermore, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson will miss this match through injury.
Lastly, there is a double injury to consider on either flank for Eddie Howe. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy are still recovering from their long-term setbacks.
AC Milan team news
As per FotMob, the away side haven't been fortunate with injuries either. It is expected that six players will be unavailable for Milan, although the importance of those players to the team aren't as high as Newcastle's injury list. Malick Thiaw, Marco Pellegrino, Marco Sportiello, Noah Okafor, Pierre Kalulu and Simon Kjaer are expected to miss this match.
Newcastle vs AC Milan predicted lineups
Newcastle predicted lineup: Karius; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
AC Milan predicted lineup: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Musah, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders; Pulisic, Giroud, Leão.
Newcastle vs AC milan score prediction
There are no two ways about this, we have to win. We aren't in the best form but the only way we can progress is through winning this game and hoping for the best in the other result. I don't think we'll look to invite pressure with Pope out injured, but I do expect goals at either end. I'll say Newcastle 2-1 AC Milan.