As global financial markets brace for another year of uncertainty, Asia-Pacific stands at a fascinating crossroads. S&P Global Ratings’ newly released credit outlook for 2026, aptly titled “Same North, Different Stars,” reveals a region that defies easy categorization.
👉 Key takeaway: Asia-Pacific credit in 2026 is resilient but uneven. Investors must look beyond regional averages, focusing on specific markets, sectors, and issuers to identify opportunities and avoid hidden risks
While headline stability masks deeper complexities, the Asia-Pacific credit story for 2026 is one of resilience amid divergence, where shared growth trajectories conceal starkly different national realities.
🌏 Asia-Pacific Credit Outlook for 2026
Overall Stability with Divergence
S&P Global Ratings projects steady credit conditions across Asia-Pacific in 2026.
Beneath the surface, economies will follow very different paths—some outperforming, others facing pressure.
Supportive Factors
Continued economic growth, easing trade uncertainty, and favorable financing conditions underpin regional resilience.
Stability at the aggregate level redistributes risk rather than eliminating it.
Market observers with decades of experience in Asian credit markets note that regional stability in this part of the world rarely means uniformity. The S&P outlook confirms this pattern once again: Asia-Pacific credit conditions are expected to remain steady through 2026, but beneath this calm surface, individual economies are charting remarkably different courses.
The Paradox of Steady Conditions
The assessment from S&P Global Ratings’ Chief Economist Louis Kuijs and Head of Credit Research Eunice Tan points to several supportive factors undergirding the region’s credit stability. Continued economic growth, easing trade uncertainty, and supportive financing conditions create a favorable backdrop that distinguishes Asia-Pacific from more volatile regions.
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Yet seasoned credit analysts understand a critical insight: stability in aggregate doesn’t eliminate credit risk. It redistributes it. When a region comprising economies as diverse as Japan, Indonesia, India, and Australia maintains “steady” conditions, it means divergent forces are balancing each other out. Some markets will outperform; others will face mounting pressures.
This divergence is precisely what makes 2026 such a critical year for credit selection in Asia-Pacific. Investors who treat the region as monolithic will miss both opportunities and risks. The question isn’t whether Asia-Pacific credit will hold up, the consensus suggests it will, but rather which specific markets, sectors, and issuers will thrive or struggle within that broadly stable framework.
Growth and Technology: Double-Edged Swords
Asia-Pacific’s pursuit of growth and technological advancement remains its defining characteristic and primary credit support. Unlike mature Western economies grappling with structural stagnation, much of Asia continues to benefit from demographic dividends, urbanization momentum, and digital transformation.
Demographics, urbanization, and digital transformation drive credit strength.
Heavy investment in technology (AI, fintech, e-commerce) boosts development but introduces risks reminiscent of past tech bubbles.
The region’s tech investment boom carries particular weight. From India’s fintech revolution to Southeast Asia’s e-commerce expansion and China’s continued push toward technological self-sufficiency, capital flows into innovation remain robust. This represents not just economic development but credit creation, as productive investments generate future cash flows that underpin creditworthiness.
However, technology investment also introduces new risks that traditional credit models struggle to capture. The S&P Global outlook rightly highlights AI’s transformational potential while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding ultimate outcomes. The rapid scaling of AI investments and eye-watering valuations have sparked legitimate concerns about potential hubris, echoes of previous tech bubbles that ended badly for credit investors.
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The Trade Uncertainty Mirage
One of the more interesting elements of the S&P outlook is its assessment that trade uncertainty is easing. This deserves scrutiny. Yes, the acute phase of trade tensions may have passed, and markets have absorbed recent disruptions. But declaring victory over trade uncertainty fundamentally misreads the structural shift underway.
The global economy is witnessing not a return to trade normalcy, but rather an evolution toward what S&P describes as “a more transactional and multipolar world order.” For credit analysts, this distinction matters enormously. Cyclical trade disputes can be modeled and hedged; structural realignment of global supply chains carries deeper, longer-term credit implications that will unfold over years, not quarters.
Asia-Pacific sits at the epicenter of this transformation. The region must navigate competing gravitational forces: China’s Belt and Road ambitions, India’s emergence as a manufacturing alternative, ASEAN’s balancing act between great powers, and shifting U.S. engagement. Export-dependent economies face pressure to diversify supply chains and end markets. Countries positioned to benefit from “China plus one” strategies may see credit upgrades; those overly reliant on single trade corridors face downgrades.
Financing Conditions: A False Sense of Security
The S&P assessment points to supportive financing conditions as a key pillar of credit stability. Extended maturities and improved interest rates certainly provide issuers with breathing room. Central banks across the region maintain space for modest further monetary easing if economic conditions warrant.
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But market veterans warn that supportive financing conditions can mask underlying credit deterioration until it’s too late. When money is cheap and readily available, even marginal borrowers can refinance their way out of trouble. The true test of credit quality emerges when financing conditions tighten, and they will, eventually.
The longer supportive conditions persist, the more credit discipline tends to erode. Companies take on more leverage, investors reach for yield in riskier credits, and risk premiums compress below fundamentally justified levels. While analysts are not predicting a crisis, the region’s fundamentals being far stronger today than they were in the late 1990s, the principle remains: easy financing conditions create moral hazard and misallocate capital.
What This Means for Investors
Given this landscape, credit investors in Asia-Pacific for 2026 should embrace several key principles. First, regional and even national outlooks obscure more than they reveal. Credit selection, individual issuer analysis, matters more than ever when aggregate conditions are stable but underlying dynamics are divergent.
Second, traditional credit analysis that focuses primarily on financial metrics will miss the dominant risk driver. Policy uncertainty spanning trade policy, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical alignments has become the key variable. Third, investors must monitor financing conditions obsessively, identifying credits that depend on continued easy refinancing versus those with sufficient cash flow to service debt even if conditions tighten.
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The Asia-Pacific credit story for 2026 is ultimately one of careful navigation. The region shares a common direction toward continued growth and technological advancement, but individual economies and issuers will follow distinct paths with divergent outcomes. This will be a year that rewards discrimination and punishes complacency in credit selection.
Tanya Petrie was a former pharmacy technician at the prison
Husna Anjum Senior Live News Reporter and Abigail Neep
00:46, 25 Feb 2026
A woman has been jailed for smuggling drugs into prison in what was called a ‘criminal conspiracy’. Tanya Petrie, 61, is a former pharmacy technician at HMP Bristol.
Hailing from Worle, Weston-Super-Mare, she was caught after police caught her retrieving a package from a residential wheelie bin in Somerdale Avenue in Bristol. She then attended the prison, where police say she was detained, searched and subsequently arrested on suspicion of being part of a conspiracy to take prohibited items into prison.
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Bristol Live reports Petrie was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, February 12, of conspiring to bring or convey a list A prohibited article into prison and sentenced to six years behind bars. She previously pleaded guilty to conveying a list B prohibited article into a prison.
She was sentenced on Monday, February 16, to six years and three months in prison. After being arrested at work, Petrie was searched while in custody and Petrie informed officers at Avon and Somerset Police that she had a package on her person and handed the officer a cling-film wrapped package.
Officers say this was later discovered to contain four packages of class B drugs, two packages of class A drugs (cocaine) and tobacco. Following further investigative enquiries, police believed that Petrie had made an earlier trip to Somerdale Avenue on the morning of October 9, 2023.
In an interview, Petrie revealed that she had taken money from the wheelie bin which she used to purchase SIM cards from a local garage. She then snuck this into the prison and gave it to a prisoner.
Officers conducted in-depth data analysis and identified two phone numbers which were being used within the prison. The phone was linked to prisoner Kyle Joyner, 32.
Officers discovered that Joyner had been using the phone to contact one of the occupants of the property in Somerdale Avenue, Casey Collins, 23, from Knowle West. Collins was responsible for placing the item in the wheelie bin that Petrie collected in October 2023.
Joyner, Collins and Petrie were all charged in the summer of 2024. Joyner and Collins pleaded guilty to conveying listed A prohibited items into the prison in January 2025 and were jailed for three years and two years and four months respectively.
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For Joyner, this sentence will be served in addition to his existing prison sentence of eight years and eight months.
Senior Investigating Officer, DI Tim Seaman from the Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “This case shows the proactive and determined work carried out by our team and our partners to uncover and dismantle a criminal conspiracy operating both inside and outside the prison walls.
“By working closely with colleagues at HMP Bristol, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Counter Corruption and the Regional Prison Corruption team within the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, we were able to swiftly identify the actions of a member of staff who was abusing her position of trust to smuggle dangerous drugs and illicit items into the prison.
“Such actions enable organised crime, fuel violence, and undermine the hard work of honest staff who dedicate themselves to running secure and rehabilitative environments.
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“This investigation sends a clear message: our investigations into organised crime will identify those who facilitate organised criminality and we will work tirelessly with our partners, and use every tactic available to bring those involved in corruption to justice – regardless of their role or position.”
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The rapper, who arrived at the stadium nearly three hours before the 7.45pm kick-off, joined the Swansea ownership group last July and made his way to south-west Wales after being at the Winter Olympics, where he served as Team USA’s honorary coach as well as a special correspondent for broadcaster NBC.
The Port of Middlesbrough, which is owned and operated by AV Dawson, has now been handed an improvement notice by the HSE.
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The notice, issued on December 16, states the company failed to ensure risk assessment and system of work measures were implemented during the transport, handling and storage of steel pipes.
The full notice states: “You have failed to make and give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, for the effective control and monitoring of your preventive and protective measures, by failing to ensure that the measures identified in your risk assessment and system of work document were being implemented during the transport, handling and storage of steel pipes on December 8, 2025.”
The firm must comply with the notice by March 13.
An AV Dawson spokesperson said: “We are cooperating fully with the ongoing HSE investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
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Cleveland Police previously said the HSE was leading the investigation.
The HSE probe remains ongoing.
AV Dawson previously said its thoughts were with the man’s family and friends.
The White Company officially launched its new concession inside Barkers Department Store in Northallerton, opening its doors yesterday (February 23).
Located on the first floor of Barkers High Street store, the new space showcases a curated selection of The White Company’s “signature collections, including homeware, clothing and accessories”, joining a line-up of established retail names.
The concession is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm, and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Pictures reveal the perfectly curated unit kitted out with luxury items and clothing, ready for shoppers to enjoy as the spring season approaches.
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The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
Guy Barker, director at Barkers Department Store, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome The White Company to Barkers.
“This is a brand we have admired for many years, and we have been working closely with their team for some time to bring this concession to our store.
“As a family-owned independent department store, we are always looking to enhance our offering for customers and bring premium brands to the heart of Northallerton.
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
The White Company, Northallerton (Image: THE WHITE COMPANY)
“The White Company is synonymous with quality, style and timeless design, and we are confident it will be a wonderful addition for our customers and for the town as a whole.
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“We look forward to seeing the new concession thrive and to welcoming both new and existing customers to experience it.”
To celebrate the launch of the new store, customers can enjoy a complimentary tote bag when they spend £50 or more, while stocks last.
Fans just got their first look at Outlander season eight after Starz dropped a video from the final series
Neela Debnath Screen Time Reporter
00:01, 25 Feb 2026
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Outlander fans have been sent into meltdown after US network Starz released a snippet from one of the episodes ahead of the official premiere next week.
In the short, minute-long clip, Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan) is talking to his son-in-law Roger MacKenzie (Richard Rankin) after the pair are reunited following the MacKenzies’ return to the past at the end of season seven.
Jamie tells Roger: “There’s a man by the name of Cunningham. He helped open the new trading post. I’d be curious to ken what ye might think of him, anything ye might learn.”
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Roger listens to Jamie and nods in agreement as Claire and Brianna MacKenzie (Sophie Skelton) walk into the room and she updates her mother on the children.
Brianna mentions her daughter Mandy MacKenzie’s (Rosa Morris) heart surgery: “She was on antibiotics for a while, had a few checkups but other than that…”
“Children are remarkable. Listening to her heart you’d never have known anything was wrong,” Claire responds.
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Brianna reveals the children have at last gone to sleep after their long journey back to the correct time zone after they were initially reunited with Roger in 1739.
Jamie tells Roger and Brianna: “I still canna believe it, the sight of you here. We weren’t even sure if the letters would reach ye when we left them at the bank.
Outlander returns in trailer for the final season
“There was an inheritance, I suppose. We thought you should ken what had become of us.”
Claire adds: “We never would have dreamed you would have used them to find your way back to us.”
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Roger raises a toast and poignantly says: “To coming home. To family. Slàinte.”
Many fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts about the footage as one person posted: “They’re all together again,” alongside crying and heart eyes emojis.
While a second said: “I hope to god they filmed the “hello the house!” Scene. Best reunion ever! (Since Claire and Jamie obvs) [sic].”
A third commented: “I know this math won’t make sense to everyone, but seven seasons were too few, and two more weeks to wait is too much!”
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While on YouTube, one fan said: “The last droughtlander is almost over… now it’s time for the final chapter.”
A second person reflected what many others were thinking when they posted: “Ugh I’m not ready [sic]” and a crying eyes out emoji.
Someone else added: “It’s gonna be so fun seeing them together again, even if this show is ending it’s still gonna be fun to watch!! [sic].”
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Outlander’s final series will be arriving on March 6 for those in the USA and on March 7 for British fans, with a total of 10 episodes airing weekly.
Outlander season 8 will premiere on Starz in the USA on March 6 and on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK on March 7
**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
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It tops up a claimant’s income to a guaranteed minimum level which is currently £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 if you’re a couple. It can also open the door to other benefits such as help with health and housing costs.
However the rules state someone who is part of a couple will not qualify if their partner is under pension age, currently 66. Lib Dem MP Liz Jarvis questioned the rule asking of the impact it has on those in a “mixed age” relationship but on a low income.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions she asked “what assessment” their Department had made “of the potential impact on levels of pensioner poverty among mixed-age couples of the requirement that both members of a couple must have reached State Pension age in order to be eligible for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit.”
However, in reply, Stephen Timms, the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, said the rules were “important”. In a written reply, he said: “Ensuring that individuals can get into, progress and stay in work is important in helping them to continue saving for their own retirement and contribute to the wider economy.
“The requirement for mixed-age couples to seek financial support from the working-age social security system until both members of the couple reach State Pension Age ensures that, once in receipt of Universal Credit, the younger partner can access the same employment support that is available for customers below State Pension Age, including dedicated employment support for customers over the age of 50. The pension-age partner is placed in the no-work related requirements group.
“The Government recognises the critical role Universal Credit has to play in tackling poverty and making work pay and is taking important steps to support people with their living costs. For the first time ever, we have introduced a sustained above inflation increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance for all claimants. From April 2026, this will see the standard allowance uprated by 3.8%, followed by a further 2.3%.”
Prior to 2019 couples who were mixed age – where one was a pensioner and the other under pension age – could choose to claim either Pension Credit or working age benefits. Then in 2019 the government changed this so they would be treated as a “working age” couple for means-tested benefits.
At the time Age UK criticised it as “unfair” warning it would have a serious impact on pensioners with a younger partner. It warned it would put pensioners in a situation where they would be better off living alone and claiming Pension Credit than living as a couple receiving Universal Credit.
And earlier this year Independent Age, a later in life financial hardship charity, called on the government to end the rule. It said goverment figures showed that affected couples could be losing around £5,900 a year, with some losing as much as £7,000.
Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE said: “Our helpline received a call from a 79-year-old who was unable to claim Pension Credit because their partner is 59. Under the mixed-age couples rule, they will have to wait until they are 87 before they can access this life-changing financial support.
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“The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently just because one has a younger partner.” The charity is urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, to enable couples to claim pensioner benefits once the older partner reaches State Pension age.
She added: “The mixed-age couples rule is unfair and must end. It is wrong that older people on a low-income with younger partners are locked out of vital financial support, forcing them to wait years for entitlements like Pension Credit. Independent Age supports couples where the younger partner is in low-paid employment or unable to work due to health conditions, or due to caring for their older partner. This rule risks pushing more older people into deep financial hardship.
“Who you fall in love with and choose to spend your later years with should not determine how much financial support you receive. Far too many older couples are forced to live on tiny incomes because of this rule. It’s time for the UK Government to reverse it.”
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What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Although the Moon is in Gemini this morning, it’s not long until it enters sensitive, intuitive Cancer overnight.
There’s also the beginning to Mercury Retrograde to look forward to tomorrow — very much a ‘calm before the storm’ type energy.
So, ahead of the potential heightened emotions and logistical complications these transits may bring, self care is key.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Wednesday February 25, 2026.
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Feeling social, spontaneous and ready to share things, just maybe not in a straight line. Conversations zip, ideas fly and your attention span is doing its best. This is a great day to brainstorm, connect or flirt with a fresh perspective. Just watch for scattering your energy like confetti, which is fun but messy. Write it down, follow up and don’t overthink everything.
Your mind is on money, values and a few tempting splurges, so keep an eye on your bank account. Conversations around finances or self-esteem may pop up, and you’re more flexible than usual about exploring new ideas. Just don’t let indecision sneak in. Trust your instincts but let logic have a seat at the table too. A thoughtful pause is worth more than buyers’ remorse.
With the Moon continuing its dance through your sign, you’ll feel extra chatty, curious, clever and restless. Emotions bubble up, but they’re wearing party hats and are light, expressive and eager to mingle. It’s a great day to share something, start a conversation or send that text you’ve been thinking about since last week. Say what you feel, then feel what you say and be yourself.
Finding emotional energy a touch distracting? Today, you’re feeling everything but processing it through thoughts. Memories, intuitions and inner dialogue swirl like a soft breeze through your psyche. Don’t rush to explain what’s going on, let your inner narrator take its time. Rest, reflect and be at ease with yourself. Your inner self knows the story and your mind is just catching up.
You may be feeling very curious, chatty and ready to chase shiny ideas. Your social sector is lit up, making this a perfect day to mingle, brainstorm or charm a crowd, whether digitally or otherwise. You’re magnetic without trying but do look to listen as much as you speak. With so many thoughts flying, don’t say more when you could say less. Stay sensitive to others’ vibes.
Your mind may be multitasking but your feelings are harder to pin down. Career thoughts, long-term plans and public image are in the spotlight, and you’re juggling them brilliantly. But beware of analysis overload, as feeling isn’t a flaw, it’s data too. Conversations with authority figures or collaborators could open doors, so listen to those powerful but subtle nudges, as well as logic.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Big ideas, travel plans or spiritual ponderings may show up, and your heart is in the mood to wander, mentally and literally. Let curiosity guide you, but don’t forget to come back down to earth long enough to answer texts or finish what you started. Today, your balance comes not from stillness, but from graceful motion. Chase wonder but also pack sandwiches and a map.
Today’s lunar vibe highlights shared resources, secrets and soulful bonds, so expect thoughts about trust, intimacy or finances to surface. You’re ready to talk about the things most avoid, just try not to sting if someone can’t go as deep as you. Insight comes through conversation, so speak your truth with warmth. Mystery is still your magic, but clarity is your secret power move.
Your relationship zone is lit up like a dazzling disco ball. Conversations with partners, whether romantic, business or just brunch, may be fast, funny and revealing. You’re after great conversation and a little wordplay. Today, listening is just as appealing as speaking. Don’t shy away from emotional depth, as love or that brilliant idea could be just one sentence away.
Tasks, texts and to-do lists can multiply fast, but your sharp mind is up to the challenge. Today’s lunar energy highlights your work, wellness and routines, so it’s a great chance to rethink how you’re spending your time and energy. Try not to over-schedule yourself into a corner, as even the most efficient goat needs breaks. Multitask mindfully, communicate clearly and hydrate often.
Your brain is buzzing, your charm is at a peak, and your inner genius is ready to play. Creativity, romance and self-expression are in focus, so flirt with a new idea, text that intriguing someone or dive into a personal project. You’re not just thinking, you’re sparkling. Say yes to spontaneous joy and unexpected inspiration. Even so, don’t scatter your brilliance, instead focus your fun.
With the Moon continuing in quicksilver Gemini, your shell of calm may feel more like a carousel of thoughts and feelings. Your home life, inner world or emotional landscape is buzzing with activity, memories, conversations and an urge to do some rearranging. Give yourself a chance to relax and doodle ideas. Talk it out, write it down or chat with someone who gets you.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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The Preston boss clearly wasn’t having any of the hype surrounding Swansea’s celebrity investor
Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom claimed there was a ‘smell of weed’ in the tunnel during his side’s highly-anticipated clash with Swansea City.
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Swans investor Snoop Dogg was in attendance for the clash at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday night, with his arrival attracting a record home crowd, and a huge atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
Snoop was introduced to the Jack Army around 15 minutes before the start of the game, and did his part in geeing up the home crowd.
What unfolded was a surreal night that few in attendance will ever forget.
However, visiting boss Heckingbottom clearly wasn’t all that fussed, and dismissed suggestions the hype around Swansea’s celebrity investor had an impact on the game.
Having seen his side go ahead through Daniel Jebbison in the 26th minute, the Lilywhites boss was frustrated by their inability to see the game out, with Liam Cullen coming off the bench to net a stoppage-time equaliser.
After it was suggested to him that his players were potentially walking into an ‘intense’ atmosphere, the North End boss said: “It wasn’t was it?
“It was quiet. We kept them quiet. That’s how we played. Our fans were the loudest.
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“We only let them have their occasion at the very end by conceding.
“So that’s the frustrating thing.”
Asked if he felt the atmosphere was potentially different to other games, he added: “I can’t tell. It’s only different for people who are here every week, isn’t it? It’s not different for us.
“We don’t play at Swans every week, so it’s no different for us.
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“We go away to Ipswich the other week, they were at it, their fans were at it, and that was noise all game.
“It was just a game for us and we kept, I felt, everyone quiet until the end.
“I think just the smell of weed in the tunnel is the only thing where we realised something was different.”
Newcastle are certainly enjoying life back at Europe’s top table.
Howe’s side are the top scorers in the Champions League with 26 goals, and have won six games in a single campaign in the competition for the first time.
It has been quite a turnaround in the last two-and-a-half weeks.
Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job “well enough” after his side were booed off by a section of supporters following a 3-2 defeat against Brentford in the Premier League in their previous game at St James’ Park earlier this month.
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The Newcastle head coach embarked on some soul searching in the aftermath of the loss, while his players set out to “fight for the manager”.
Newcastle have won four of their last five games in all competitions since, and secured a place in the knockout stage proper.
Given the revenue gap between the Premier League and a number of clubs on the continent, and the competitiveness of the top-flight, outsiders may question whether that should necessarily come as a huge surprise.
Even beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur, who are hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League, finished in the top eight of the league phase.
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Yet the manner of Newcastle‘s six Champions League victories against Qarabag, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise were far from foregone conclusions.
Qarabag, for instance, had drawn against Chelsea and defeated Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen. Newcastle hammered the Azerbaijan Premier League champions.
Although Howe wanted more from his much-changed side in the 3-2 second-leg win on Tuesday night, Newcastle have shown they can battle the continent’s elite on their day.
Newcastle drew 1-1 against holders Paris St-Germain in the French capital last month and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in their opening game of the competition.
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No wonder, then, defender Dan Burn feels Newcastle can “compete with anybody” at their best.
“We’ve shown that, especially against Paris St-Germain, how good we can be,” he wrote in his programme notes.
“I think we elevate our game going into those games because there are bigger, better teams at this stage of the competition.”
Good evening and welcome to our coverage of the second leg of Newcastle’s knockout play-off vs Qarabag. Eddie Howe’s men coasted to a 6-1 victory in the first leg in Baku, so there is a sense tonight will be a procession.
Unsurprisingly, no team has ever surrendered a five goal lead aggregate lead in major European competitions.
It therefore could be a good chance for Howe to continue boosting confidence into players who have been struggling in the league as of late. Anthony Gordon scored four first half goals from centre forward last Wednesday, but struggled to get himself into the game in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on the weekend. Newcastle were able to get their speedster in behind against City’s high line – Qarabag will surely have to play with one tonight – but he lacked players to link up with. Howe seems to be backing the Gordon up top, Nick Woltemade in the midfield selection for the remainder of the season so any chance to gel that combination, with next year’s European hopes hanging by a thread, should be taken.
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Conversely, it could be a chance for Howe to get minutes into some young legs and keep his bench fresh. Malik Thiaw, who scored in the first leg, is suspended and Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are still injured, so there’s a perfect opportunity to re-introduce Sven Botman who returned to training this week and is awaiting the results of a late fitness test.
Yoane Wissa was also back in training, so could come into start – it would do some of Newcastle’s front line players no harm to have a rest with the result all but secure having travelled from Birmingham to Baku to Manchester to home all within the last 10 days. William Osula is another player who could do with some minutes up front – he has struggled for goals this season.
Plenty of chance to experiment or really turn the screw for Newcastle, hopefully Gurban Gurbanov has told his players to chase the impossible so we can enjoy an open game. This is their first ever knockout match in the Champions League, nothing to lose!
Stay tuned for team news, build up and live coverage here on Telegraph Sport!
