De Jong Makes Comeback as Barcelona Face Newcastle, But Rising Star Yamal Sidelined
Similar to their 1997–98 campaign, Barcelona kick off their Champions League journey at St. James' Park. However, they'll be hoping for a vastly different result this Thursday evening.
Faustino Asprilla's treble devastated the Catalan giants during their inaugural trip to Newcastle 28 years prior, and despite Barça securing victories in all three encounters since then, Hansi Flick remains fully cognizant of the formidable test awaiting his squad.
St. James' Park will be electric under the floodlights, and the quality of the impressive La Liga titleholders will undoubtedly face examination from thousands of passionate Toon supporters.
The away side are missing several important players for their European opener, but they maintained their momentum over the weekend with a commanding 6–0 victory over Valencia in domestic competition. Here's the potential Barcelona starting eleven Flick might deploy this Thursday evening.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The recent signing has quickly established himself as Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper, and he may face plenty of action on Thursday evening.
RB: Jules Koundé—A reliable presence in the right-back position under Flick's management, Koundé is certain to maintain his spot in the German coach's starting lineup.
CB: Ronald Araújo—Flick faces a selection puzzle in central defense, but he should likely choose Araújo's physical presence considering the nature of the opposition. Deploying Eric García in the heart of defense would be inadvisable.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The promising Spanish center-back holds a crucial responsibility in breaking through Newcastle's pressing game, as the Magpies will seek to unsettle their technically superior opponents through aggressive off-ball work.
LB: Gerard Martín—The youth product excelled during his last Champions League outing at San Siro in May, and Martín will step in once more for the sidelined Alejandro Balde, who remains absent from the traveling squad.
CM: Pedri—Best of luck containing Pedri, Newcastle. The Spanish midfielder's exceptional form from the previous campaign has carried seamlessly into 2024–25, making him another crucial figure in navigating Newcastle's high-energy approach.
CM: Frenkie De Jong—De Jong, who sustained an injury while on international assignment, was presumably rested for this encounter by Flick. The Dutch midfielder was absent from Sunday's Valencia demolition.
RW: Raphinha—Flick penalized the Brazilian for tardiness by benching him on Sunday, yet Raphinha, who's becoming increasingly influential in attacking areas, still managed a brace in the 6–0 triumph. His role becomes particularly intriguing given Lamine Yamal's unavailability.
AM: Fermín López—The underrated Spanish talent merits retaining his position ahead of Dani Olmo following his weekend display.
LW: Marcus Rashford—Flick praised Rashford's Sunday showing, arguably his finest performance in Barcelona kit. The English forward will be eager to impress against a passionate English audience on Thursday evening.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—The experienced frontman has been gradually integrated into the new season due to fitness concerns, but Lewandowski appears poised for a return to the first team. He netted twice as a substitute versus Valencia.
