Newcastle Q&A LIVE: Who’s available for tonight’s crucial Champions League clash? Craig Hope answers your questions

CRAIG HOPE: We still don't know what the allocation is and there are whispers from various quarters as to whether they will get the full amount. I was told last week that they probably won't get that, but we'll have to wait and see.

The draw is brilliant. As a North East reporter, I cheered when I heard it, completely involuntarily.

The fact that it has been seven years since the last derby adds to the intrigue and excitement.

What an occasion it should be and, I hope, one that shines a light on the passion and intensity of their respective teams' rivalry and support.

I think both groups of supporters welcomed it. As I said above, football is about emotion and moments, and this will certainly be a day to remember, regardless of the outcome.

CRAIG HOPE: I'm an avid 'stayer' when it comes to this subject. Click here to read what I wrote about a possible stadium move in Saturday's Mail.

But honestly, I suspect the club's Saudi owners will be eyeing a new stadium in the medium to long term.

And what a complicated debate this is. I see the good and the bad of leaving St James', but ultimately I come back to my view that football is more than maximizing profits, it's about maximizing emotions.

For now they are looking into improvements at St James', but that is not easy.

Nothing has been decided yet and the study is a positive step towards fan engagement. But as always, you can't please all the people all the time.

CRAIG HOPE: Phillips is one they definitely like and are pursuing. But last I heard, it wouldn't be an easy deal.

City would want a significant loan fee and there could be competition from others.

However, I suspect Phillips would be happy to come and play for Eddie Howe. If you want any manager in the country to get the most out of you, it's Howe.

Phillips will have this in mind ahead of the Euro and I think this is a deal that will increase as we get closer to January.

Also keep an eye on David de Gea. The coming weeks will be informative as to Dubravka's form and fitness, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if De Gea arrives at St James' Park next month. Hugo Lloris is another option.

CRAIG HOPE: Yes. Dan Burn is nearing a return and there is even talk of a spot on the bench tonight.

Callum Wilson is clearly back (I think he starts tonight) and Sven Botman, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes could all return in the coming weeks. So things are being clarified.

The danger is that they will suffer more injuries in the meantime, especially as they still maintain a two-match per week schedule.

Barnes is important because it gives Anthony Gordon some rest. He, like many, is currently playing every minute of every match and despite his excellent form, he seems to need some variety.

CRAIG HOPE: Honest answer? We do not know! His only appearance was the Carabao Cup final in February when he did well, but that's not a big enough deal to form a real opinion.

I saw him play in Saudi Arabia this time last year when he had a very good 45 minutes in a friendly match.

But he hasn't played for another 12 months since then. Selfishly, Karius' arrival is a great story considering his last Champions League appearance was the infamous 2018 final for Liverpool against Real Madrid.

But I suspect Newcastle will do everything they can to ensure Dubravka is fit because, like us, they probably don't know how Karius will perform if he is called on for such a big occasion.

CRAIG HOPE: I understand that Dubravka is struggling with an illness.

Newcastle checked his fitness today but Loris Karius is set for a recall.

My instinct is that Dubravka will be fine. But even if that is the case, he will come into the game because he felt bad in the build-up, and that is not ideal.

Dubravka hasn't looked quite up to speed in the previous two games (she's conceded seven goals), so this would be a concern for Newcastle for me.

Nick Pope's injury was a huge blow and only in time will everyone perhaps realize how good he really was.

There's still time to ask your questions, if you have any.

We will start the Q&A soon…

Newcastle's return to the Champions League saw them rewarded with the proverbial group of death and the Magpies, who sit third, will need help to reach the next round.

Eddie Howe's side must beat AC Milan when they visit St James' Park and hope PSG cannot beat already-qualified Borussia Dortmund.

A win for PSG will see them top the group and eliminate Newcastle regardless of their result.

Should AC Milan win and PSG lose, the Italian team will finish second, while PSG will finish third heading into the Europa League and Newcastle will be out of the tournament.

It promises to be a hectic evening!

Not only is there a big game on the agenda tonight, but there are also several other important topics surrounding Newcastle at the moment.

What's next with the long injury list – which has reached double figures in recent weeks – while will the Magpies be able to strengthen in the January transfer window amid FFP restrictions?

Meanwhile, there has also been discussion about a new stadium outside St James' Park, and that mouth-watering FA Cup tie against Sunderland is on the horizon.

CRAIG HOPE, our local expert in Newcastle, will be with us at 3pm to answer your questions.

There is still time to get them in and you can do so in the comments below or on our social channels.

It's been a tough seven days for Newcastle, with Eddie Howe's injury-hit side losing badly to both Everton and Tottenham.

The Magpies went down 3-0 to Sean Dyche's resurgent side at Goodison Park on Thursday before being beaten 4-1 by Tottenham on Sunday as the significant number of absentees caught up with them.

However, there is still plenty to look forward to with a crucial Champions League match against AC Milan tonight where they have the chance to reach the knockout stages of what is their return to the competition for the first time in twenty years.

And welcome to the latest edition of our Premier League Q+A with our experts.

The focus of this live blog will be on Newcastle and there's plenty to discuss about what's happening at St James' Park at the moment, with a huge Champions League match against AC Milan on the agenda tonight?