Newcastle United vs Barcelona Preview
The first matchday of the 2025/26 Champions League Group Phase is predicated by a matchup at St. James' Park where new-look Newcastle United host Spanish giants Barcelona in their fifth all-time matchup.
In this article, we cover the predicted lineups, latest injury news, head-to-head record, betting odds and a score prediction for Newcastle versus Barca on Thursday.
Newcastle United are looking to steady their ship after losing star striker Alexander Isak in the closing stages of the summer transfer window. Manager Eddie Howe has gotten the Magpies off to a middling start after scraping two draws and one win from their first four Premier League fixtures.
Barcelona sit second in La Liga after winning thrice and drawing once across their first four La Liga fixtures. Hansi Flick's men have put on an attacking clinic early in the season as the Catalans are averaging 3.2 goals per match.
Newcastle United vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record
Newcastle and Barcelona have met on just four occasions, dating back to 1997 when Newcastle defeated Barca 3-0 in a Champions League Group Stage matchup.
Since that victory, Barca have defeated Newcastle in three consecutive matchups by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Fixture Trivia
Matchday 1 Trivia: Who is Newcastle's all-time leading goal scorer versus Barcelona?
(Answer to Matchday 1 trivia question revealed in Matchday 2's preview article)
Betting Odds and Predictions for Newcastle United vs. Barcelona Match
Premier League Odds Comparisons
Moneyline Odds
DraftKings: NEW +180 Draw +280, BAR +135
FanDuel: NEW +180 Draw +260, BAR +135
BetMGM: NEW +195 Draw +280, BAR +120
Bet365: NEW +187 Draw +270, BAR +130
Visit RotoWire all season for exclusive sports betting picks and our weekly Premier League betting show. Remember that betting apps vary in terms of odds, so we have an easy-to-use odds page that allows you to shop for the best lines at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet. Claim over a thousand dollars in bonuses by signing up at the best sports betting sites using the best sportsbook promos.
RECENT FORM
Newcastle earned their first Premier League victory of the season versus Wolves in their most recent fixture. Through their first four league matches, Howe's men have conceded just three goals. Each of those goals came in their lone loss to Liverpool, and two of the three goals were scored after the Magpies were reduced to 10 men.
Barcelona have begun the season in strong form, earning 10 points from a possible 12 across their first four La Liga fixtures. The Catalans have been held under three goals scored in just one match, a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.
FORMATIONS
Howe is likely to employ his familiar tactics and rely upon his experienced midfield to execute a 4-3-3 shape that focuses on the midfielders as the impetus for the team's attacking and defending successes. To survive the manager's demands, the midfield trio must be willing to play a box-to-box role, assisting in protecting the back four and springing the attack when reclaiming possession.
Barcelona have commonly employed a 4-2-3-1 under Flick, who allows for a dynamism within the Barca shape that contributes to a 4-4-2 look when in possession. Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski are typically paired in attack, with the former sometimes playing alongside Lewandowski and at other times, playing off the left wing of the attacking unit.
The system has been predicated upon the ability of a midfield duo consisting some combination of Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado and Pedri to operate from box to box in an effort to create chances going forward without shirking their defensive responsibilities.
LINEUP NOTES & INJURY NEWS
Champions League Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Newcastle Injury News
Howe's men will enter the fixture at near full fitness.
Attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey (ankle) is likely to be sidelined through the next international break, according to Howe. Also in attack, Yoane Wissa (knee) is out for the next four-to-five weeks after suffering an injury on international duty, according to Lee Ryder of the Chronicle.
With two newly-signed attacking options on the shelf, look for Howe to deploy fellow newcomer Nick Woltemade in the No. 9 position, flanked by Anthony Gordon to the left and Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy to the right.
Barcelona Injury News
Flick has a greater number of variables than his English counterpart for which he'll need solutions. Barcelona are nursing two long-term injuries as club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) is out for an undisclosed amount of time as he recovers from surgery and Gavi (knee) remains weeks away from a return.
Alex Balde (hamstring), Frenkie de Jong (leg) and Lamine Yamal (groin) are each likely to be game-time decisions for Flick as he searches for his most complete starting XI for the matchup at St. James' Park. Balde missed the Catalans' last league fixture and was replaced by Gerard Martin in the starting XI.
If de Jong is unable to recover from a leg injury he suffered on international duty, it is likely Casado who will assume his role in the center of the park.
Yamal (groin) suffered through international duty with Spain, according to Flick. If he is deemed unavailable, look for either Marcus Rashford or Ferran Torres to fill the enormous boots the teenager leaves behind.
KEY MATCHUPS
Nick Woltemade versus Eric Garcia and Cubarsi
Woltemade is the player tasked with the difficult challenge of filling the role left vacant by Isak's departure to Liverpool. The 23-year old striker was highly coveted in the summer transfer window after scoring 12 goals across 27 appearances (17 starts) for Stuttgart last season.
Garcia and Cubarsi comprise the heart of the Barca defensive unit that has conceded just three goals over their first four league matchups. Woltemade's ability to pierce the Barca backline will be a harbinger of the fixture's result.
Midfield Duel
Howe's tactical and man-management approach to club football are most evident in the Magpie midfield which the manager has molded into sharpened mettle during his tenure in North East England. Expect Sandro Tonali to sit at the base of a midfield three that is likely to also include Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
The potent trio are most likely to be opposed in the middle of the park by a Barca midfield that relies on a double-pivot ahead of their backline to solidify their defensive ranks and spring transition opportunities. Pedri is a mainstay on Flick's team sheet and expected to feature in one of the midfield positions. If de Jong is unable to play, Pedri is likely to play in a more advanced role when paired with Marc Casado.
Lewis Hall versus Yamal or Torres
Hall regularly receives plaudits form pundits for his one-on-one defending and ball recovery skills. To that end, his ability to control the attacking right flank of the Barcelona formation will be the impetus by which the Newcastle defense either holds the Barca attack at bay or surrenders chances. Regardless of the selection by Flick, Hall will face an uphill battle as Yamal has already amassed four goal contributions and Torres has complied three.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Raphinha has enjoyed a simmering start to the campaign as he continues to find space in the final third when opponents are occupied by veteran superstar Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski will aim to create physical battles with Newcastle central defenders Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. I back Raphinha to produce at least one goal contribution as the collective skillset of the Barca attack affords the Brazilian ample space to take aim at Nick Pope's goal.
PREDICTED RESULT
Newcastle United 1 - Barcelona 2
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Newcastle United: Oct. 1 at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Barcelona: Oct. 1 vs. Paris Saint-Germain
