Newcastle United are looking to get off the mark in the Champions League as Eddie Howe takes his side to face Union Saint-Gilloise.
Newcastle were beaten by Arsenal on Sunday, and the Magpies are now looking to hit back in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe tasted defeat to Barcelona in Newcastle’s Champions League opener, and it’s a very different test this week.
Newcastle travel to Belgium to take on Union Saint-Gilloise, who lead the Belgian Pro League by six points at this early stage in the season.
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Union Saint-Gilloise defender comments on Newcastle United style of play
There will be one somewhat familiar name in the Union Saint-Gilloise line-up.
Defender Kevin Mac Allister is the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and looks set to start against the Magpies.
The USG ace, who is a year older than the Reds star, has spent the last two years in Belgium.
Mac Allister has now responded to questions about whether he called up his brother for some tips on how to play against Newcastle.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad in Belgium, Mac Allister suggested that he didn’t want to disturb his sibling ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Galatasaray.
Mac Allister added that he follows the Premier League closely anyway, but he especially likes to watch Newcastle.
Mac Allister admitted that he loves watching Newcastle play, so he knows exactly what to expect from Howe’s side.
“I didn’t want to disturb him too much, because he’s obviously focused on his own game,” said Mac Allister.
“It’s the best league in the world, so I follow the Premier League closely. I also regularly watch Newcastle’s matches because I love their style of play. Of course, my brother could give me advice, but I know well enough what we’ll be up against,” he added.
Kevin Mac Allister on the similarities between USG and Newcastle United
Mac Allister certainly appears to be looking forward to Wednesday’s game and even sees some similarities between USG and Newcastle.
The Argentinian thinks the two teams play similar styles, though he accepts Newcastle have a little more quality.
“Newcastle, the Union of the Premier League? There are definitely similarities. We both play in a low block at times, lurking for the counterattack, and both sometimes keep the ball in the team and find spaces behind the defence. So you can compare us in that respect. Although they might have a bit more quality,” said Mac Allister.
Mac Allister faces a tough test against the likes of Anthony Gordon and Newcastle’s summer signing Nick Woltemade, but he will be hoping to secure a shock win for USG.
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