Goals likely as Palermo host Newcastle

Goals could be in plentiful supply when Serie A high-flyers Palermo host English Premier League strugglers Newcastle United in the UEFA Cup tonight.

The goal-happy but defensively frail Sicilians boast Serie A's most productive attack and Newcastle, whose defensive shortcomings have long been their bugbear, could be in for a torrid evening at the Renzo Barbera.

The teams began their Group H campaigns with victories, Palermo coming from behind to win 2-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt while Newcastle overcame Fenerbahce 1-0.

Palermo have emerged as surprise frontrunners domestically, a 3-2 win at Fiorentina on Sunday putting them level at the top with Inter Milan.

Despite losing World Cup defender Fabio Grosso to Inter, the capture of Australia midfielder Mark Bresciano and former Parma team mate Fabio Simplicio, along with in-form Brazilian striker Amauri, have improved a side benefiting from the return of coach Francesco Guidolin.