Newcastle Set to Battle Barcelona: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
An extraordinary Champions League evening awaits at St. James' Park this Thursday, as Newcastle United welcome Barcelona for Matchday 1 of the league stage.
These two clubs, connected through the exceptional sideline contributions of Sir Bobby Robson, haven't met since 2003, though their inaugural encounter remains etched in Tyneside folklore.
Back in September 1997, Faustino Asprilla's treble powered the Magpies to a memorable 3–2 triumph over a Barcelona squad featuring stars like Luis Figo, Rivaldo and Luis Enrique.
Today's La Blaugrana possesses comparable talent, and Hansi Flick's team, who nearly reached last season's finale, displayed their finest form over the weekend by dismantling Valencia 6-0. Nevertheless, their 2025–26 season opener has been marred by turmoil and disputes.
Tyneside has witnessed equally significant developments, though anger over Alexander Isak's transfer to Liverpool has somewhat subsided. Newcastle have rejoined Europe's elite club tournament following a year's absence, with Eddie Howe hoping to deliver a display reminiscent of their dominant showing against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2023.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of this Champions League thriller.
What Time Does Newcastle vs. Barcelona Kick-Off?
Newcastle vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Newcastle | Barcelona |
|---|---|
Newcastle 1–0 Wolves - 13/09/25 | Barcelona 6–0 Valencia - 14/09/25 |
Leeds 0–0 Newcastle - 30/08/25 | Rayo Vallecano 1–1 Barcelona - 31/08/25 |
Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool - 25/08/25 | Levante 2–3 Barcelona - 23/08/25 |
Aston Villa 0–0 Newcastle - 16/08/25 | Mallorca 0–3 Barcelona - 16/08/25 |
Newcastle 0–2 Atléti co Madrid - 09/08/25 | Barcelona 5–0 Como - 10/08/25 |
How to Watch Newcastle vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, Amazon Prime Video, ViX, TUDN USA, UniMás |
United Kingdom | discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Go, Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports |
Newcastle Team News
Anthony Gordon's three-game suspension concludes in Premier League action this weekend, but the England winger remains eligible for Thursday's fixture. Despite Nick Woltemade's arrival and debut goal last weekend, Howe might deploy Gordon in a central attacking role.
Harvey Barnes offers pace down the left flank, while Jacob Murphy could get the nod over Anthony Elanga thanks to his defensive work rate.
Yoane Wissa arrived carrying a knee problem, delaying his Magpies debut, and the home side will also be without summer signing Jacob Ramsey.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Gordon, Barnes.
Barcelona Team News
The painkiller controversy continues to sideline Lamine Yamal, who's nursing a groin problem. The teenage sensation, crucial to Barça's European campaign last term, allegedly competed through injury for Spain during September's international fixtures.
Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Marc-André ter Stegen haven't made the trip either, though the Catalans welcome back Frenkie de Jong from injury. The Dutch midfielder sat out Sunday's 6–0 Valencia rout.
Marc Bernal made his first appearance in over twelve months at the weekend, having suffered an ACL rupture early in the 2024–25 season. The promising midfielder faces competition from Pedri, Marc Casadó and De Jong for starting spots.
Raphinha faced disciplinary action from Flick for tardiness but still netted twice as a substitute over the weekend. He should reclaim his starting berth alongside Robert Lewandowski, who's gradually building match sharpness this season.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Martín; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, López, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona Score Prediction
Which player will channel Asprilla's magic for the Magpies on Thursday evening? Howe's squad has demonstrated their ability to trouble Europe's elite, and they must capitalize on their physical advantages here.
The Newcastle manager excels at tactical preparation, and he'll undoubtedly implement strategic adjustments to challenge the visitors. Yet this Barcelona side, despite missing Balde and Yamal, possesses exceptional quality.
While the new season hasn't been flawless, it's difficult to imagine the hosts containing Barça's slick possession play, midfield mastery and lightning-quick transitions. An entertaining encounter concludes with Flick's team claiming victory.