.... I don't see Palermo as the problem. They are a very good side, and will probably get a result at home just as they did when playing West Ham in the previous round. But with three points already in the bag, the Mags just need three points from three games to progress.
The problem is Sheffield United. Newcastle have decided to go for the SKY TV cash and play on the Saturday, rather than take a day's grace and face the Blades on Sunday. Something I think could be a major problem.
A very tough UEFA Cup game in Sicily, then 40 hours later arguably the most important game of the season, and the players won't get back from Italy until the early hours of Friday morning.
They will pick up £500,000 from SKY to show the Sheffield United game, but Newcastle could rue it should they fail to pick up the three points to lift them above the relegation zone.