Eddie Howe will be hoping tempers don’t flare tonight in Marseille as his Newcastle United side take on the French outfit in the Champions League.
Another three points would be a welcome boost for Newcastle after a poor run of form and would push them one step closer to qualification to the latter stages of the Champions League.
Prediction for Marseille vs Newcastle United?
Anyone planning to watch Newcastle vs Marseille tonight will know to expect a feisty game. The French side are known for their combative style of football, and fans from both sides have already clashed in Marseille ahead of the game.
But, back when the teams met in 2004, it was actually the Newcastle coaching staff that clashed with one another, with Sir Bobby Robson at the heart of it.
Marseille collapse led to internal conflict for Newcastle United
That past meeting was in the UEFA Cup semi-final, a game Newcastle ultimately lost, with Didier Drogba proving his star quality ahead of a move to Chelsea.
While Bobby Robson wanted to go for the more attacking approach on the night, his assistant, John Carver, thought the Newcastle United manager was making a mistake and continually pleaded with him to play a more conservative style to get through the tie.
Speaking to Chronicle Live about that night, Carver said: “I remember Marseille because we were so close to getting to a major European final. Obviously Didier Drogba killed us with two goals.
“The first goal ended up being an argument between myself and Sir Bobby over tactics. Bob was keen to get Olivier Bernard high and wide. But I was screaming for him to stay back.
“All of a sudden, we took a free-kick and Bernard was on the left wing with his cross cleared by Marseille and the next thing we had two Marseille players bearing down on goal with just Aaron Hughes back before Drogba scored his first goal of the night.
“As we walked off for half-time I was caught in an explosive argument with Bobby and I was saying ‘Why tell Olivier Bernard to push up so high and leave us exposed?'”
Thankfully, the rift didn’t last too long. In fact, on the way home after the defeat, Robson admitted he was wrong.
Carver added: “After the game, which Drogba scored another, we were on the bus and the boss said: ‘I think you were right on that one we should have left Olly back’.
“These games boil down to such fine margins. But the Champions League is about building up experience.”
Team unity will be key for Newcastle vs Marseille
Marseille’s Angel Gomes has spoken of his admiration for Newcastle ahead of tonight’s game. It will be interesting to see how far that respect stretches, and whether it extends to matters on the pitch.
We’re pretty sure Roberto De Zerbi’s side will set up aggressively and look to really take the game to Newcastle in a hostile environment at Stade Velodrome. Meanwhile, supporters of Marseille and Newcastle have clashed in the streets, but the key message for the Magpies will be of unity and togetherness.
Who remembers the last time Newcastle United played Marseille?
We saw shades of that on Saturday against Man City, with Eddie Howe’s game plan working wonders against Pep Guardiola’s side. That same discipline and organisation, along with a sprinkle of spirit and fight, will go a long way against Marseille.
Newcastle certainly have what it takes to overcome the challenge of Marseille, on paper at least. Now they have to put that into practice and show what they’ve got on the pitch.
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