Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Champions League

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League
• Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne

Matchday one of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season will include Newcastle United welcoming FC Barcelona at the iconic St. James' Park on Thursday evening. This will be one of the marquee fixtures to kick off another exciting campaign of Europe's premier club competition. The English side will compete in the European Cup after having featured previously in the 2023/24 edition. The Catalans, on the other hand, were eliminated in the semi-finals last season. The Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona should feature some entertaining end-to-end, high-paced football.

Inconsistencies and mixed results have marked the recent matches of Newcastle United. In the last six matches, the Magpies have managed just a single victory to go with three draws and two defeats. The start of the Premier League season has been an atrocious one for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe's men have recorded only five points from the opening four matchdays. However, a 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday has shown a glimpse of hope for the remainder of the season. A determined display against Barcelona will be necessary to set the tone for Newcastle's Champions League journey.

FC Barcelona has made a dynamic start to the campaign, backing up the glories of last year. The Catalans have accumulated three wins and a draw to commence the club's La Liga defence. As is evident with Hansi Flick's style, Barcelona has scored 13 goals in just four games, whilst also conceding three. Several experts and pundits regard the five-time European champions as the team to beat in La Liga and also as one of the major contenders for the Champions League. A hostile crowd will await the Blaugrana in Newcastle on Thursday.

Newcastle United Team News

Jacob Ramsey (Ankle Injury) and Yoane Wissa (Knee Injury) will be absent for Newcastle United on Thursday against Barcelona. Eddie Howe is expected to go in with a flat 4-3-3 formation.

FC Barcelona Team News

For the visitors, the biggest worry will be the fitness of Lamine Yamal. Hansi Flick has provided more than a reasonable doubt regarding the youngster's hip injury. Alejandro Balde, Daniel Rodriguez, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will join Yamal on the sidelines.

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Team News

Here is a detailed look at the Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Team News:

Newcastle United Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Pope

Defenders: Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento

Midfielders: Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton

Forwards: Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes

FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Garcia

Defenders: Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin

Midfielders: Casado, Pedri, Lopez

Forwards: Bardghji, Ferran, Rashford

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona H2H Record

Overall, in the last four games between the two sides, Newcastle has won a single game while Barcelona has won the remaining three matches.

Key Players to Watch in Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona

Joan Garcia (FC Barcelona)

One of the major reasons for Barcelona's failures in the Champions League in the last decade has been the goalkeeper position. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been the undisputed number one goalkeeper for the Catalans since 2015, and while he is among the world's best, his performances in big matches have been debated frequently. The tide seems to have turned with the arrival of Joan Garcia, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects from Spain currently. Joan Garcia can expect several attempts from Newcastle United and will have his first taste of European football.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

Many football supporters, including those of Newcastle United, had doubts when Sandro Tonali returned to professional football last season after serving a ban. However, the Italian has silenced his critics following a wonderful 2024/25 season. The former Milan man has eased back into Eddie Howe's setup and is once again an indispensable part of the XI. Sandro Tonali will be a key part of Newcastle's plan against Barcelona due to his physicality and his ability to cover large distances.

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Prediction

FC Barcelona will undoubtedly begin the game as the overwhelming favourites. The visitors have an upper hand in both individual and collective quality. However, Newcastle will back themselves to find the back of the net at least once.

Here is a detailed look at the Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Prediction

Predicted Score: Newcastle United 1-3 FC Barcelona

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