Legend Alan Shearer delivers Newcastle United & Barcelona verdict ahead of Champions League clash
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said the Magpies can cause Barcelona ‘problems’ ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.
United come into the game on the back of a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday with the Champions League proving to be the one competition keeping their season alive. Dan Burn, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon all started on the bench at the weekend with Eddie Howe admitting he was protecting some of his players ahead of Tuesday night.
Gordon is expected to come straight back into the side and Shearer thinks his speed could be crucial if Newcastle are to have any success against the La Liga leaders.
“Newcastle can cause Barcelona problems with their pace. I don’t think many people would have given Newcastle a chance of making the quarter-finals, so if they were to make it, I’d say that was a success,” he said to Betfair. “What I will say is Newcastle will be more than competitive at St James’ Park. If they can take a lead away from there, they’ll give anyone a game.”
Howe’s side showed that competitiveness earlier in the season where they posed an attacking threat against Barcelona at St James’ Park in the league phase of the Champions League, despite falling to a 2-1 defeat. A spectacular double from Marcus Rashford ensured the Spanish side came away with all three points, with Gordon scoring a late consolation for the Magpies.
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What did Eddie Howe have to say ahead of Barcelona?
Howe described Tuesday’s match against Barcelona as ‘the biggest game in the club’s history’ at the weekend but understands Newcastle won’t be favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.
“I think the underdog role, to a degree, in my time here has helped us at times. When we’ve been in that position where we feel the odds are stacked against us,” he said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“We’re going to need to use every psychological tool we can to help us in this game, because it’s undeniable that we’re playing a very, very good team - (and) an outstandingly well-coached team I have to say as well, from having watched them thoroughly in preparing for both games, as we have done. They’re a top team.”
United have only lost once at St James’ Park in the Champions League this season, albeit against Tuesday’s opponents, and United will want to make that home form count before a trip to the Nou Camp in the second leg next Wednesday.
"I think we've had some great recent experiences to help us with the two-legged game. I think all our Champions League have been a great dress rehearsal for this moment, and that's the way we need to look at it. Now is the moment we need to be at our very best," Howe added.
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