Newcastle Step Into the Marseille Cauldron With Questions to Answer
Newcastle’s trip to Marseille is being framed as more than just another Champions League night—it’s being seen as a real test of character. And honestly, the mood around the travelling fans reflects that perfectly. Messages from family and friends telling them to “stay safe” and “be careful” have been buzzing nonstop on their phones, and that sense of uncertainty mirrors the feeling surrounding Eddie Howe’s squad right now.
Yes, Newcastle arrive in France fresh from a big confidence-boosting win against Manchester City. That 2-1 victory at St James’ Park last weekend helped settle nerves after a patchy autumn. They’ve also managed impressive Champions League wins over Union Saint-Gilloise, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao. But the elephant in the room is something Howe prefers not to dwell on—their away form. Since early April, their only away win came in Brussels. And now they’re stepping into one of the most intimidating atmospheres anywhere in Europe: the Orange Vélodrome.
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This match reunites Newcastle with plenty of familiar faces. Roberto De Zerbi, formerly at Brighton, is now leading Marseille. His attack features Mason Greenwood, who left Manchester United and England behind amid a complicated and widely-discussed chapter of his life. Greenwood has become Ligue 1’s leading scorer and has been used cleverly on the right, drifting infield where he does most of his damage. Howe admitted that Newcastle will need to be particularly sharp down that side.
Then there’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang—36 but still as dangerous as ever. His movement, pace and finishing haven’t aged one bit, and Howe openly praised him for maintaining such sharpness deep into his career. Add in Angel Gomes, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and former Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley, and you get a Marseille team that blends Premier League experience with De Zerbi’s fluid, attacking style.
Marseille’s Champions League results have been mixed, but they sit second in Ligue 1 and just hammered Nice 5-1. Even with part of the stadium closed due to previous crowd trouble, the Vélodrome will be roaring. Local authorities have put strict rules in place for Newcastle fans: no wearing club colours, no gathering in the Old Port, and heavy policing across the city.
While the supporters are asked to stay anonymous, what Howe wants is the opposite from his players. Newcastle’s inconsistency has been a growing concern, and Howe openly acknowledged that they no longer know exactly which version of themselves will show up on any given night. This match, along with the upcoming one against Everton, is being viewed as an “acid test.”
Marseille will be tough, no doubt. But Newcastle believe they can rise to the occasion. And if they do, it won’t just be a big European step forward—it could be the moment their season finds its true direction.
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