Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde will arrive at St James' Park feeling the heat from the Spanish media after Saturday's Basque derby defeat to Real Sociedad.

TV cameras followed his every move as Athletic slumped to a 3-2 loss and they are now on a run of just two wins from the last 11 matches, sitting 11th in La Liga. Bearing in mind Bilbao finished in fourth place last season you can see why there are questions being asked of the ex-Barcelona chief's position right now.

Valverde and his squad arrive from Northern Spain at teatime, but the Spanish boss snubbed the chance to train on the hallowed turf at St James' Park for an open session in front of watching Tyneside journalists. Instead, Valverde will face the media at around 6.30pm with the likes of Marca and El Pais watching on.

Not a lot is expected of Bilbao who have just three points to their name in the Champions League this season. And even though Newcastle have their own worries, Eddie Howe's side are the favourites to...