Newcastle vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
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This is perhaps the most eagerly awaited clash of the opening match day in this season’s UEFA Champions League as Barcelona go to St James’ Park on Tyneside.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Paramount+
Newcastle preview: Controlled Magpies
Eddie Howe and Newcastle United had to deal with the debacle and the saga over the future of Sweden international Alexander Isak, but the Magpies can now fully focus on things on the pitch following his £125 million sale to Liverpool.
His supposed replacement, club-record signing Nick Woltemade, scored the winning goal for Newcastle on his debut at the weekend, as he headed in mid-way through the first-half to give the Tynesiders a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Barcelona preview: Brilliant Blaugrana
Playing at Estadi Johan Cruyff because Camp Nou is still not ready, Barcelona managed to once again annihilate Valencia, defeating Los Che by six goals to nil with excellent performances all-round, particularly from Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford.
The Blaugrana hadn’t been convincing in the opening few weeks of the season and Hansi Flick joined in with many pundits in being critical of his squad after a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas before the international break.
Newcastle team news: Gordon expected to start
Anthony Gordon has been suspended in the Premier League, but he should be raring to go against Barca. Newcastle are without summer signings Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa due to injuries.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Unavailable: Ramsey (Injured), Wissa (Injured)
Questionable:
Barcelona team news: Key doubts
Lamine Yamal missed out at the weekend and he remains a doubt alongside both Alex Balde and Frenkie de Jong. Raphinha was disciplined by Flick and so was also benched but should start here, whilst Robert Lewandowski is continuing to reach full fitness after coming off the bench against Valencia.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Kounde, Christensen, E. Garcia, Martin; Lopez, Pedri; Rashford, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable: Balde (Injured), De Jong (Injured), Yamal (Injured)
Newcastle vs Barcelona prediction
Newcastle United have not been able to play with the aggression and intensity that they would usually do so, bar a spell during their 3-2 loss at home to Liverpool, but that should be the case with a febrile atmosphere against Liverpool. Barcelona, though, still have an abundance of talent and quality in the final third, despite their injury doubts, and so the visitors are favourites but they may well wobble on Tyneside.
Newcastle vs Barcelona Tip: Barcelona to win & both teams to score
