Howe wary of Athletic threat ahead of Newcastle’s difficult Champions League run
Three of Newcastle United’s final four Champions League fixtures are away games, but they host Athletic Bilbao ahead of that tricky run.
Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United’s Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao has added importance due to their difficult fixture list in the campaign.
The Magpies host the LaLiga outfit on Wednesday in what will be the third of their four home matches in the league phase of the competition.
Following this fixture, Newcastle face trips to Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen before a home fixture against PSV in the new year, but they will finish the league phase on the road to holders Paris Saint-Germain.
MD2 and MD3 saw Newcastle record their biggest ever win (4-0 vs Union Saint-Gilloise) and then joint-biggest home win (3-0 vs Benfica) in the Champions League.
The Magpies could now win three games in a row in major European competition for the first time since March 2007 in the UEFA Cup (now Europa League).
Howe revealed he understands the importance of the upcoming fixture, but refused to overlook their counterparts.
“It is a really important game for us because we know what we have ahead in the Champions League,” said Howe.
“That’s not to say this game is going to be easy either. We are back at home, we love playing here, but Athletic Club will provide stiff opposition.
“[They are] a very good defensive team. In terms of defensive numbers, they are very strong. Off the ball I think they have delivered some really strong performances.
“I think from that side, our attacking game is going to have to be at its very best. And of course, Champions League nights here are always special.”
Newcastle lost to West Ham on the weekend, leaving them 13th in the Premier League table after 10 games.
Howe believes his side must show the same consistency in the league as they do in other competitions.
“I think we are disappointed with our Premier League form, and our inability to string consistent performances together,” Howe added.
“I think that’s where the competitions we are in makes it difficult. You can find consistency in one [competition], but in the Premier League we just have not had the back-to-back wins we need to elevate ourselves.”
