Newcastle United take on Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night, which means a meeting with winger Igor Paixao.
Eddie Howe will be on a high after watching Newcastle United beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday evening.
Harvey Barnes impressed Alan Shearer as he scored both goals in an impressive St James’ Park victory.
The attention now turns to the Champions League, as Newcastle travel to take on Marseille.
Newcastle have won three from four in the Champions League this season and are now looking for a big win on the road.
Prediction for Marseille vs Newcastle United?
Newcastle United to face former target Igor Paixao
The Magpies could face some former Premier League players on Tuesday night.
Angel Gomes, Emerson Palmieri, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Neal Maupay and Matt O’Riley will all be in contention to play.
Marseille may also unleash Igor Paixao on Newcastle, a player the Magpies considered as a potential signing.
Newcastle were interested in Paixao early in 2025 as the Brazilian wide man dazzled for Feyenoord.
Paixao smashed 18 goals and 19 assists for Feyenoord last season and looked ready to take the next step in his career.
Newcastle didn’t sign Paixao, but Marseille did – and he is already making a big impact for the Ligue 1 side.
Paixao has racked up five goals and three assists in his first 14 games for Marseille, including three goals and one assist in four Champions League outings.
Paixao scored Marseille’s fifth goal in a 5-1 win over Nice on Friday night, and he will be looking to add more to his tally on Tuesday night.
Newcastle will already know plenty about the in-form Paixao after previously scouting him, and he is a man Howe must look to shut down.
How much money Newcastle United can and will earn in the Champions League this season.
Other former Newcastle United targets at Marseille
Paixao is not the only former Newcastle target currently in the Marseille squad.
Newcastle previously tried to sign defender Nayef Aguerd, but lost out on his signature to West Ham United.
Aguerd has since joined Marseille, but will miss out against Newcastle due to injury.
Newcastle also eyed Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi over the summer, and he should start in the heart of defence.
Going further back, Newcastle fancied Matt O’Riley during his Celtic days, before his Premier League stint at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Magpies are now set to face those players on Tuesday night and will hope to hand them a Champions League defeat.
The post Eddie Howe set to face in-form Brazilian star Newcastle United targeted earlier in 2025 appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.