The intense schedule just does not stop for Newcastle United.
After beating Manchester United and Arsenal in the space of just a few days, Newcastle travel to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s side were beaten by the German giants at St James’ Park last month in a tight game decided by just the one goal.
Newcastle certainly had chances there so, even despite Dortmund’s form, there is reason to believe.
Still, you’d have to suggest the hosts are slight favourites, given what happened on Tyneside.
Indeed, manager Edin Terzic believe he knows how Howe’s side are feeling.
Dortmund vs Newcastle: Terzic knows Newcastle are “not happy”
Speaking ahead of the game at Monday’s pre-match press conference, the Dortmund boss said his side were aware Newcastle are “unhappy” with their performance in the first game.
“We know they’re not happy at the way they performed against us,” he said (via Keith Downie).
“But they’re a great team, playing at the top level for 18 months.
“They’ll want to do much better tomorrow. So if they’re going to do it better, we have to do it better.”
Dortmund vs Newcastle: Underdog tag works best for Eddie Howe
Newcastle are at their best when they have something to prove.
The idea of being favourites against big name opposition and being expected to take the game to them might not suit this team, who seem to excel in rising up to a challenge.
With that in mind, heading to a Dortmund team in this kind of form who have already beaten them looks something like the perfect conditions for Howe’s side.
In an ideal world, Newcastle wouldn’t be dealing with a mounting injury crisis but that is the challenge. Having risen to every one thus far, there is little reason as to why they can’t do so again.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
