Newcastle United travel to Ukraine to take on Metalist Kharkiv in the second leg of the two clubs' UEFA Europa League knock-out tie. The Magpies were held to a goalless draw at St James' Park last midweek and need a win, in sub-zero conditions to progress to the next round. The Ukrainians, meanwhile, return to the familiar environs of the Metalist Oblast Sports Complex, where they will hope to engineer a minor upset.

Newcastle United
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 6pm GMT. Live coverage is on ESPN and ESPN HD.

Overview

Kharkiv will be pleased at having held Newcastle to a draw in England and given their brilliant record at home (they're unbeaten at home since Greek club Olympiakos beat them 1-0 in March last year), Myron Markevych will be confident of giving Alan Pardew, his opposite number, a worrying evening.

The Ukrainian Premier League has just come off an extended winter break, which means Kharkiv's players will have a physical edge over their visitors. However, given the relative lack of match fitness and sharpness, it should just about balance everything.

The side are fourth in the domestic league, a daunting 15 points behind leaders Shakhtar Donetsk. And with only 12 games to go, it is unlikely they will have much title chasing to do... which leaves them free to focus on the Europa League.

And they are in fine recent form. The long break could have some impact on the game but the fact they come into this match with six wins and only one defeat in the last eight competitive games is a sign the Magpies are in trouble.

Cleiton
Reuters

Meanwhile, Pardew is no doubt ruing the goals scored by Senegal striker Papiss Cisse in the first leg. Both those were ruled out for offside but overall improvement is needed to seriously trouble the Ukrainians.

Newcastle enjoyed a mini-revival of sorts around the start of this month, with January signings Yoan Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko key in back-to-back Premier League wins against Aston Villa and Chelsea. However, those wins apart, have not really been positive on the road.

The club lies 16th in the league, only four points ahead of Reading (in the final relegation spot) and have lost seven of 13 away games. In Europe, they have had two draws and a defeat from the three road trips so far, with only two goals scored in the process.

Team Form

Metalist Kharkiv

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D L W W W
  • Last Match: Newcastle United 0 - 0 Metalist Kharkiv

Newcastle United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D L W W L
  • Last Match: Newcastle United 0 - 0 Metalist Kharkiv

Team News

Kharkiv are at full strength for this tie and will likely retain the same side from last week.

Probable Line-Up: Goryainov; Villagra, Gueye, Torsiglieri, Fininho; Torres; Marlos, Blanco, Cleiton, Willian; Cristaldo

Newcastle remain without mid-season signing Gouffran of France (knee) and his compatriot Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring). Danny Simpson (toe), Dan Gosling, Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic (the latter three have knee problems) are all unavailable.

Probable Line-Up: Krul; Santon, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara; Tiote, Anita; Marveaux, Sissoko, Obertan; Cisse

Ukraine