Newcastle United and Barcelona clash in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over 20 years. St James’ Park is the venue for Thursday night’s anticipated match. Newcastle United hope to disrupt the strong Barcelona squad. However, the Spanish giants will look to continue their dominant form in UCL.
When & where? / Kick-off details
The Champions League tie between Newcastle United and Barcelona will be played at St James’ Park on Thursday, September 18, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm BST.
Newcastle United Champions League ambitions
Newcastle United have had a slow start to the new Premier League season. They currently sit 10th after winning just one of their first four league games. Eddie Howe’s team beat Wolves 1-0 in their most recent match. They will aim to upset Barcelona, but it will be a difficult challenge.
The home team will be without Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa. While Anthony Gordon is suspended domestically, he can play in the Champions League. Newcastle United are likely to use a 4-3-3 formation. Nick Pope should start in goal. Kieran Trippier and Valentino Livramento could play as full-backs. Fabian Schar may partner with Dan Burn in central defense.
Barcelona formidable attack
Barcelona have started the season strongly, winning three of their first four league matches. Flick’s team seems to improve each game. Barcelona defeated Valencia 6-0 in their last game. As a result, confidence is high heading into the Champions League match.
Hansi Flick will be without Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde. Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal are doubtful. The visitors are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Joan Garcia could start in goal. Jules Kounde and Gerard Martin are options as full-backs. Eric Garcia might partner with Pau Cubarsi in central defense.
Key players
Nick Woltemade – Newcastle’s record signing made an instant impact on his full debut and will carry the burden of leading the line against elite European opposition.
Bruno Guimaraes – The Brazilian midfielder will be pivotal in controlling tempo and disrupting Barca’s possession-heavy style.
Robert Lewandowski – With nine goals in his last seven League Phase appearances, the Polish striker remains Barcelona’s talisman and will be expected to trouble Newcastle’s back line.
Raphinha – Last season’s joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals, the winger provides pace, directness and cutting edge.
Predicted lineups
Newcastle United possible starting XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Barcelona possible starting XI: J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Prediction
Newcastle may have kept three clean sheets in their first four league outings, but containing Barcelona is another matter. The Catalans have scored three or more goals in 10 of their last 13 Champions League fixtures and possess attacking firepower capable of unlocking any defence. The Magpies will back themselves to strike on the counter, yet Flick’s men could have just enough quality to edge a high-scoring contest.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-3 Barcelona
