Barcelona vs Newcastle – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The first leg ended 1-1 a week ago. The Magpies have won four of their last five away matches ahead of their trip to Spain.

Barcelona Form

Barcelona have won 12 of their last 15 matches in all competitions. They sit at the top of La Liga by four points with 10 rounds of action remaining. After seven straight wins, they suffered a shock 4-0 loss at Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg. A 2-1 La Liga loss at Girona was followed by a 3-0 home win over Levante.

Blaugrana put up 3.20 xG in a 4-1 home win vs Villarreal and beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the Copa del Rey second leg (losing 4-3 on aggregate). After a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, they scored a last-gasp penalty to draw 1-1 at Newcastle in last week’s first leg. On Sunday, they smashed Sevilla 5-2 as Raphinha netted a hattrick.

Barcelona Team News

Gavi has finally returned from a long-term knee injury. He won’t play more than a few minutes in this match. Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde are ruled out in defence.

Injuries to Jules Kounde at right back and Frenkie De Jong in midfield after major blows. Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal are set to return to the XI after partial rests in the last match.

Barcelona Motivation

Hansi Flick’s side will attack from the off. They will be highly motivated to reach the next round.

Barcelona are not equipped to absorb pressure and they only play one way under this coach – a high line with lots of possession and risk-taking.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle’s away form has been excellent of late. Although they have lost seven of their last 15 matches, they have won four of their last five away fixtures. It’s at home where they have struggled of late. They lost 3-2 at home to Everton but beat Man Utd 2-1 at St. James’ Park despite a first half red card.

The Magpies lost 3-1 at home to Man City in the FA Cup before a 1-1 home draw vs Barcelona as they conceded a last-minute penalty. On Saturday, they went to Chelsea and defended expertly in a 1-0 away victory. They were outshot 22-7 but held on resolutely.  

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe is without four players for this match. Defenders Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth are absent, as are Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley in midfield.

Joe Willock needs a late fitness test and Sandro Tonali will hope to shake off illness in time to start. Anthony Gordon will hope to start up front in preference to William Osula.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle are playing with confidence and solidity in away games. They will sit back and counter at speed in Spain.

The Magpies will try to nick a win, but would arguably take a draw and see if they can progress in extra time.

Key Stats

• Barcelona have won 12 of their last 15 matches
• Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has scored 10 goals in his last 12 matches
• Newcastle have lost 7 of their last 15 matches (all competitions).
• Newcastle have won 4 of their last 5 away matches

Verdict

Newcastle will give Barcelona a tough time, but Flick’s side just looks too strong. I see a home win in 90 minutes with Yamal on target.

Best Bet: Barcelona win and both teams to score at 2.45

Alternate Bet: Barcelona win (-1 handicap) at 2.25

Goalscorer Tip: Lamine Yamal to score anytime at 2.20

Correct Score Tip: Barcelona 3-1 Newcastle at 8.50