Newcastle United return to Europe’s top table with a glamour tie at St James’ Park against Barcelona. Eddie Howe’s side only just scraped into the Champions League last season, edging Aston Villa on goal difference, but their squad has been weakened with Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool. Still, they arrive buoyed by a hard-fought win over Wolves, with new signing Nick Woltemade making an immediate impact.
Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, come in as one of the tournament favourites. The Blaugrana are flying in La Liga, demolishing Valencia 6–0 at the weekend and scoring 13 goals in their last four matches. With Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha firing, and Flick chasing another European crown after his Bayern Munich success, the Catalans look primed for another deep run.
Newcastle vs Barcelona Bet Builder Tip
Head-to-Head
Matches Played: 4
Newcastle Wins: 1
Draws: 0
Barcelona Wins: 3
Last Five Meetings
- Newcastle 0–2 Barcelona (2002/03, Champions League)
- Barcelona 3–1 Newcastle (2002/03, Champions League)
- Barcelona 1–0 Newcastle (1997/98, Champions League)
- Newcastle 3–2 Barcelona (1997/98, Champions League)
Recent Form
Newcastle United
- Newcastle 1–0 Wolves
- Leeds 0–0 Newcastle
- Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool
- Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle
- Newcastle 0–2 Atletico Madrid
Barcelona
- Barcelona 6–0 Valencia
- Rayo Vallecano 1–1 Barcelona
- Levante 2–3 Barcelona
- Mallorca 0–3 Barcelona
- Barcelona 5–0 Como
Newcastle Team News
Eddie Howe’s side are still working around injury concerns, with Jacob Ramsey (ankle, mid-October) and Yoane Wissa (knee, late September) unavailable. Anthony Gordon missed the win over Wolves through suspension but is back in contention and should slot into the attack. New signing Woltemade, who scored on his debut, is expected to start again, while Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton provide the midfield balance. Howe’s side lack depth compared to Barça, but home advantage and their energy in midfield could prove valuable.
Barcelona Team News
Hansi Flick will be absent on the touchline due to suspension, but his team selection remains strong despite several key injuries. Marc-André ter Stegen (back), Alejandro Balde (hamstring), Gavi (knee), and Lamine Yamal (hip) are all sidelined. Frenkie de Jong could return after missing international duty, while Lewandowski and Raphinha are set to lead the attack after starring against Valencia. Eric Garcia may start at centre-back, with Ferran Torres also pushing for a place in the XI. Barça’s depth ensures they can still field a formidable lineup.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United (4-3-3):
Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Woltemade, Barnes
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
Garcia; Koundé, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Ferran, Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Newcastle vs Barcelona Prediction
Newcastle will feed off the St James’ Park atmosphere, but Barcelona arrive in ruthless form. Howe’s men could cause problems on the counter through Gordon and Barnes, yet Barça’s attacking depth and midfield quality should ultimately decide the tie. Lewandowski’s experience and finishing may prove too much for Newcastle’s defence.
Predicted Score: Newcastle United 1–3 Barcelona
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