Marseille vs Newcastle postponement latest as French weather warning issued
Newcastle United’s trip to face Marseille on Tuesday night looks set to be affected by adverse weather conditions.
The Magpies notched a confidence-boosting win over Manchester City on Saturday evening and will be hoping to take their performance forward into their latest Champions League assignment.
Anthony Gordon is back fit for Newcastle ahead of their trip to France, but he potentially faces a battle to get back into the team, with Harvey Barnes having notched three goals in his last two appearances.
Eddie Howe’s men will already be gearing up for Tuesday night’s clash, but the game could potentially be in doubt after a weather warning has been issued across the south of France.
Marseille issued with yellow weather warning for wind
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Newcastle may make a U-turn on Barnes’ future after some impressive recent performances.
The winger will surely be eyeing another start in European action in midweek, but there are now potential doubts as to whether the game could even go ahead.
Marseille has been included in a wide-ranging weather warning that has been issued across Tuesday and Wednesday by Meteo Alarm.
The warning has been issued for an expectation of high winds, and concerns have been raised that “moderate damages may occur”.
With that in mind, if the stadium or the surrounding areas were to get damaged in the lead-up to kick-off, the game could potentially be postponed on the grounds of ensuring the safety of supporters.
Newcastle’s worrying head-to-head record vs Marseille revealed
Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao in their last Champions League outing, and their exploits on the continent have been far more promising than their domestic campaign so far.
The Tynesiders are sitting sixth in the league table, with three wins from their four games so far, and they will surely be targeting another three points against a Marseille side who have claimed just one win so far.
However, they will have to overcome a historical record if they are to beat Roberto De Zerbi’s side on Tuesday night.
The Magpies haven’t been regulars in European competition over the years, and they have never beaten Marseille in competitive action throughout their history.
The pair met in the semi-finals of the old UEFA Cup in 2004, and a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park was followed up by a 2-0 defeat in Marseille, with Didier Drogba netting both goals.
As a result, if they are to claim victory this time around, Newcastle will have to break new ground as a club and overturn that record.