Toon Face Serious Threat

He is quick to praise his side for putting five goals past Turkish side Fenerbahce in the last round ... but fails to point out the also CONCEDED five goals to Fenerbahce.

Louis van Gaal: "Newcastle are strong opponents. They are not high up in the Premiership but they are playing very well in Europe. But I believe we are favourites and will go through not only to the last eight, but can go all the way in the UEFA Cup.

"I know all about Newcastle; from the start of the knock-out stages, I have been watching videos and I now know every detail about them.

"I think there will be plenty of goals across the two matches, and we are superior in that aspect. Not many teams score five in two games against Fenerbahce.

"But the key to the game will be in defence, and I have more confidence in AZ there too.

"I look at Newcastle and I do not understand their inferior form in the Premier League. A club with men like Solano, Martins, Dyer and Butt must be in a better position in the table."

AZ Alkmaar were unable to make the most of their numerical superiority as they were held by 10-man Ajax in a top-of-the-table Eredivisie clash on Sunday.

Despite the dismissal of Edgar Davids on the stroke of half-time, Ajax still managed to take the lead through Kenneth Perez midway through the second half.

AZ eventually equalised through Maarten Martens, but it was an opportunity missed to climb above their opponents in the standings.

As a result, Ajax remain second in the table, one place and one point better off than AZ.