Bellingham cited as Agbonlahor makes thrilling Newcastle claim
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Newcastle to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League despite the “group of death” label Group E has attracted.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are “nothing special” and “nothing to be scared of”.
Newcastle played their first Champions League game for 20 years on Tuesday (19 September), drawing 0-0 away against AC Milan at San Siro.
The Magpies will also face Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in Group F – which has been widely dubbed the “group of death”.
In the Premier League, Newcastle have managed just six points from a possible 15 and sit 12th in the table.
They face PSG next in Europe at St James’ Park on 4 October.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I tell you what, I back Newcastle to get out of the group.
“I thought the Milan game was boring. But it’s the group stage – you have to get points.
“It’s not about going all out attack.
“I look at Newcastle and I think they beat Dortmund at home, beat Milan at home, draw against Dortmund away – and then you can afford to lose twice against PSG.
“I think they can even get something at home against PSG.
“Dortmund and Milan are nothing to be scared of. I think they will beat them.
“It might look like the group of death – but I don’t think it is. It’s just a label.
“The teams are nothing special. Milan are average, Dortmund have lost Bellingham and PSG have lost multiple players.
“I think there’s a good chance Newcastle go through.”
In other news, Newcastle United reach £40m agreement after player dispute.