Markevich knows what to expect

Markevich knows what to expect

Published Feb. 14, 2013 6:15 a.m. ET

Metalist Kharkiv boss Myron Markevich has warned his players to expect English power rather than French flair at Newcastle on Thursday night.

The Ukrainians will arrive at St James' Park to meet a squad famously boasting a large contingent of players from across the English Channel, but Markevich knows exactly what to expect.

He said: "There should be no doubt here - this is an English team.

"The French players will help, but this is an English team and it will be a great pleasure for us to play against this English team, Newcastle United."

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Metalist have not played a competitive game since December 12, when they lost 1-0 in Austria to Rapid Vienna having already tied up top spot in Group K ahead of their mid-season break.

However, that defeat ended a run of six victories in all competitions, and Markevich's men will run out determined to give themselves every chance of progression when they return to the Metalist Stadium next week.

"We have a 50 per cent chance of winning and Newcastle have a 50 per cent chance.

"For us, it is very important to play a good game and if we do that, everything will be okay. But if we play badly, Newcastle will win."

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