Barcelona vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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Barcelona are fortunate to head into the second-leg on level terms but that is the case as the Blaugrana now welcome Newcastle United to Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – Paramount+
Barcelona preview: Susceptible Barca
In the first-leg of this one, Barcelona were battered and bruised by an energetic and intense Newcastle side, with the Magpies going ahead via Harvey Barnes before Lamine Yamal scored a last-gasp penalty to earn Barca a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Since then, Hansi Flick’s Catalans have put Sevilla to the sword at Camp Nou – ensuring they have won every single one of their games at their home ground since its reopening after refurbishment in October.
Newcastle preview: Big game team
Newcastle head into this one on the back of backing up a fine performance against Barcelona by defeating Chelsea by a goal to nil at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, courtesy of an Anthony Gordon tap in.
Eddie Howe has come under pressure this season but his Newcastle side have managed to get themselves up for the so-called ‘big games’ and they will fancy their chances of at least bloodying the nose of the Spanish league leaders.
Barcelona team news: The Joao Cancelo debate
Since joining from Al Hilal in the winter, Joao Cancelo has put in some excellent performances on the ball but the fear will be his defensive capabilities in that Barca high-line but he is in good form and, with Jules Kounde still out, he should start.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Cancelo, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, Bernal; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Kounde (Injured), Balde (Injured), De Jong (Injured)
Questionable:
Newcastle team news: Tonali illness doubt
Italy international midfielder Sandro Tonali is a doubt for this week due to illness but, given the size of the game and injury issues for Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock; the former AC Milan man surely has to push through.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Unavailable: Schar (Injured), Krafth (Injured), Guimaraes (Injured), Miley (Injured)
Questionable: Tonali (Illness), Willock (Injured)
Barcelona vs Newcastle prediction
With home advantage, and that impressive record back at Camp Nou, Barcelona have to be favourites – but it can also be looked at that a defeat at the stadium may only be getting closer. Newcastle’s best threat is their direct pace in behind with the likes of Barnes and Gordon. Barcelona’s biggest weakness is their extraordinarily risky but often well played high-line. When they get it wrong, though, or the opposition get it right, they can be sliced open. Newcastle will need to be efficient when opportunities present but this tie is not done and dusted yet – and it may well be a fun watch in the early kick off.
Barcelona vs Newcastle Tip: Both teams to score
