Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
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Bayer Leverkusen look to back up their shock victory away at Man City by making it three league phase wins in a row as they host Newcastle at the BayArena.
Kick-off date/time:
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How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Bayer Leverkusen team news: Hosts sweat on Grimaldo
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Flekken; Andrich, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Maza, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Schick, Poku
Unavailable: Blaswich (Injured), Fernandez (Injured)
Questionable: Grimaldo (Fitness), Tape (Injured), Vazquez (Injured)
Newcastle team news: Ramsdale to continue in Pope’s absence
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Schar, Thiaw, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes
Unavailable: Botman (Injured), Krafth (Injured), Osula (Injured), Pope (Injured), Trippier (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle prediction
Bayer Leverkusen have hit form at just the right time of the league phase and are in position to make a late tilt for the top eight. They squad is full of confidence and all of the momentum is with them rather than Newcastle heading into this game. The Magpies were beaten last time out in the Champions League, losing 2-1 to Marseille after having led the game.
However, the hosts could be without their most important player. Left-wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo did not feature at the weekend and is rendered doubtful for this game. It cannot be understated just how much of a blow it would be to not have the Spaniard available, which could tip things Newcastle’s way.
Two good teams here should lead to a hard-fought contest. It would be no surprise if little separates the two sides over the course of 90 minutes with Newcastle expected to tighten up significantly following that Marseille loss and Leverkusen having managed consecutive Champions League clean sheets. Therefore, back under 2.5 goals to be scored.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle Tip: Under 2.5 goals
