Chris Wood is anticipating a tough clash against the Saudi Arabia champions Al-Hilal tonight.
In what has been a slightly cooler day - 23 degrees - Newcastle will get a tricky examination of their fitness against the 2021 Asian Champions League winners. And Wood knows it will be a big test after a week of warm weather training.
The New Zealand striker is expected to lead the line in the absence of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. But Wood is looking forward to the occasion.