Union Saint-Gilloise – Newcastle United

Newcastle should take all three points with class

On Wednesday, October 1, Newcastle will play against Union away in the second round of the Champions League. The 'Magpies' didn't have a great start, losing to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Union delivered a surprise by defeating PSV away. Now bookmakers believe Newcastle might also face difficulties. Union is in outstanding form – so much so that they have not lost a single match this new season since their Super Cup match in Belgium. In the league, the club has secured seven wins in nine matches and is already six points ahead of Brugge. Interestingly, the leader in Belgium concedes very few goals: only four – less than half a goal per game. In the ninth round, Union comfortably defeated Westerlo at home – 2:0. It's important that the Belgians will have one extra day of rest – four compared to Newcastle's three. The coaching staff does not have any major issues with the squad, but important forward Mohamed Fousseny is still unable to help. The Ghanaian is still recovering from a knee injury. Last season the striker scored nine goals. Newcastle has had a tougher schedule: Barcelona, away to Bournemouth, a home game in the League Cup against Bradford, and on Sunday – away to Arsenal in London. Head coach Eddie Howe has a difficult task managing the rotation of the squad without compromising two tournaments. It is evident that the 'Magpies' want to continue their fight in the Champions League knockout stage. In the game against Barcelona, the club displayed decent football, considering the level of the opponent – they maintained their chances until the last minutes. Additionally, in the first half, the players missed several clear chances. Barcelona did not have total dominance. At the same time, there is an obvious issue with finishing chances. After the match against Liverpool, Newcastle has only scored more than one goal against modest Bradford in the League Cup. The absence of Alexander Isak is being felt. New attacking star Nik Waltemade is still adjusting to English football – his useful contributions have been minimal. In the league, Newcastle has not scored in five out of seven matches leading up to the Arsenal game. The 'Magpies' have an important loss – central defender Fabian Schar. Newcastle is in a low position ahead of this game. After all, the leader of the Belgian league is not a team that matches the level of the Premier League, yet they are rated even higher in the odds. Newcastle will certainly dominate, and the club has direct tournament motivation. Another important point: Union might play cautiously aiming for a draw and not take risks – the initial result allows for that. A pragmatic victory for Newcastle is possible, considering the guests' issues with finishing their chances. On the other hand, the club has enough motivated strikers.