'They can definitely win': Forgotten former Magpie backs Newcastle United to shock Barcelona on Thursday night
Newcastle United couldn't have been given a much tougher start to their Champions League campaign if the draw was rigged with Barcelona up first for the Magpies.
Fortunately, the draw was kind enough to give the Magpies a fighting chance by drawing the Catalan giants at St James' Park.
Regardless of home advantage, it's going to be a tough night for Eddie Howe's men, who have struggled to find the net so far this season. Everything before that final ball has been great; however, with the St James' Park crowd on top form, hopefully it will inspire the lads to add that last touch of quality.
Despite the comparative lack of Champions League experience, Newcastle haven't been completely written off, and a former Newcastle player has added his two pence worth.
Remember Geremi? He remembers us
Cameroonian midfielder Geremi spent two years on Tyneside after making a name for himself at Chelsea. While he couldn't recapture the form he had with the Blues, he wasn't a total disaster, in his first season at least. And it seems that the 46-year-old still has a soft spot for the Magpies as he spoke about the upcoming game for Best Betting Sites (via The Mag).
“This is a tough match to predict. On the one hand, we all know that Barcelona has a very good team and an exceptional squad.
“For Newcastle, it’s important for them to start regularly playing against the big teams like Barcelona. That’s how Eddie Howe and his team can define if they’re ready or not.
“It’s interesting, but I think for Newcastle, a win would be a huge achievement but they have to make sure they are ready to compete throughout the whole league format.
“I hope Newcastle win and I send my best wishes, because my heart is with the club.
“For me, I won’t be surprised if they get a good result, especially at home. Then they can go on with a different mentality if they succeed.
“They will have to work exceptionally hard to match Barcelona, and Barca will have most of the ball. They will have to stay compact and work together as a team to avoid conceding.
“They can definitely win, but let’s see how it works out.”
Newcastle can become a feared force by beating Barcelona tomorrow
Qarabag showed everyone last night that anyone can win in the Champions League if they want it enough.
Newcastle absolutely should not be fearing Barcelona. Our aim is to be mentioned along with the likes of them, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool (just threw up in my mouth a bit there, sorry). There's no better way to do that than by beating them when we face them.
A win against the big boys tomorrow will send shockwaves through the competition, we're sure. Let's become feared!
