Newcastle v Barcelona – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Barcelona have won 12 of their last 16 Champions League matches vs English clubs and their last three clashes with the Magpies.

Match: Newcastle v Barcelona
When: Thursday, 18 September 2025

Newcastle Form

The Magpies have five points from four league matches this term. A 0-0 draw at ten-man Aston Villa saw the Toon outshoot their opponents 16-3. A very late goal leaked saw a 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool as they fought back from 2-0 down with ten men to draw 2-2. A 0-0 draw at Leeds was followed by a first win on Saturday as they beat Wolves 1-0 in a match with 16 shots attempted.

Newcastle won their first trophy in 70 years last season. After a six-game winning streak, they lost 4-1 and Aston Villa and were beaten in their final two league fixtures. 1-0 at Arsenal and 1-0 at St. James’ Park vs Everton on the final day.

Newcastle Team News

Anthony Gordon is available for this one as he serves a domestic suspension. Jacob Ramsey is out with an ankle injury. Yoane Wissa returned from international duty with a knee injury which rules him out.

Tino Livramento could again be preferred to Lewis Hall at left back. Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw and Anthony Elanga could all be amongst the subs.

Newcastle Motivation

The atmosphere will be intense for this game. Motivation will be very high to win this match.

Expect Eddie Howe to set up in a low block with lots of intense pressing and fast counters. They have to be compact but can’t afford to sit back.

Barcelona Form

Barcelona won the La Liga and Copa del Rey double last season. They were knocked out by Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Blaugrana have ten points from four La Liga matches so far. They won 3-0 at nine-man Mallorca with a 24-4 shot count. An injury-time winner secured a 3-2 win at Levante. A 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano was a poor result but they won 6-0 at home to Valencia on Sunday with 4.02 xG produced and 6 big chances.

Barcelona Team News

Lamine Yamal is ruled out of this match for Barcelona. Frenkie De Jong returns to the fold after a hamstring injury. Youngster Roony Bardghji is set to drop down to the bench.

Alejandro Balde and Gavi are unavailable for coach Hansi Flick due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski are set to return to the XI.

Barcelona Motivation

Hansi Flick’s side only has one way to play. They will go to Newcastle and try to attack and control the game.

Barcelona will play to win this match. A draw is not a terrible result but they won’t settle for a point.

Key Stats

Newcastle have failed to score in 4 of their last 6 matches

Newcastle have lost their last 3 matches vs Barcelona

Barcelona have won 12 of their last 16 UCL matches vs English clubs

Barcelona have conceded 10 goals in their last 3 Champions League matches

Verdict

A very intense and exciting fixture awaits. Barcelona are capable of winning this match but a score draw looks like the best bet.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.70

Alternate Bet: Barcelona win/draw double chance & Both Teams to Score at 2.05

Goalscorer Tip: Robert Lewandowski to score anytime at 2.35