Newcastle Set to Battle Barcelona: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Barcelona will travel to St James's Park to face Newcastle United in the opening leg of the Champions League round of 16 this Tuesday evening.

These two sides previously met during the group stage in September, with the match concluding in a tight 2–1 win for the Catalan club. Those crucial points helped Barcelona secure fifth place in their group while Newcastle finished 12th, earning a spot in the knockout phase playoffs.

Newcastle easily handled Qarabağ in the playoffs, only to draw one of Europe's elite teams. Eddie Howe's squad will be seeking payback when they meet the Spanish powerhouse in what marks their inaugural Champions League round of 16 encounter.

Looking at current form, these teams enter the match from contrasting positions. Barcelona sit atop the La Liga table and have suffered just three defeats in their past 24 games across all tournaments. Newcastle, conversely, are struggling in 12th place in the Premier League and recently exited the FA Cup following a loss to Manchester City.

However, with Barcelona dealing with injury concerns and Newcastle enjoying home advantage, this matchup appears more balanced than many might anticipate.

Newcastle vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Newcastle vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Catalans Edge Out Tight Away Victory

Catalans Edge Out Tight Away Victory

Newcastle will be eager to make their mark in this landmark fixture for the club, and the Magpies traditionally rise to the occasion for major matches under the floodlights at St James's Park. Howe's team will create opportunities against Barcelona's patched-up defensive line and possess the talent to keep things competitive ... provided they can disrupt the visitors with their physical approach.

Barcelona, however, enter this tie with superior experience and star quality. The current Spanish champions also carry the psychological advantage of having already beaten Newcastle this season—and Lamine Yamal wasn't even involved in that encounter.

Ultimately, the Catalans will probably prove too strong for an unpredictable Newcastle team to handle on football's grandest stage.

Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Barcelona

Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Newcastle remain without long-term casualties Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimarães. These four players will be unavailable for the Champions League round of 16 due to injuries.

The positive news for Howe is that Jacob Ramsey has returned from his ban and is ready to reclaim his midfield position after being absent against Manchester City over the weekend. Sandro Tonali is also prepared to feature, having escaped serious injury despite hobbling off during the club's 2–1 victory over Manchester United last week.

Nick Pope is anticipated to start in goal following Aaron Ramsdale's disappointing display against City on Saturday. Anthony Gordon and Joelinton, who were largely rested during the FA Cup tie, are expected to return to the starting eleven as well.

Tino Livramento came on as a substitute at the weekend, marking his first outing since sustaining a hamstring problem on January 10. Howe confirmed the defender will be included in Tuesday's squad but admitted he doesn't "feel 100% confident" the England international has regained the full match sharpness needed to start.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-3-3): Pope; Tripper, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordan, Barnes.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle

Just as Barcelona were beginning to recover from injuries, they saw both first-choice fullbacks Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé suffer injuries in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg. Both players face at least a month on the sidelines, compelling Flick to field an improvised defensive setup.

With Andreas Christensen still recovering, the German manager has little choice but to maintain the same defensive arrangement used at San Mamés. João Cancelo will operate on the left side while the adaptable Eric García takes the right flank. Converted fullback Gerard Martín will continue his partnership with Pau Cubarsí in central defense.

With Gavi and Frenkie de Jong also unavailable, Marc Bernal edges out Dani Olmo and Marc Casadó to complete Flick's central midfield pairing.

Much attention will focus on Barcelona's attacking selection. Ferran Torres has been preferred over Robert Lewandowski this campaign, but the Spanish forward has struggled recently, netting only three times in 2026. For such a crucial match, Flick might favor experience, particularly given he has one of the Champions League's most prolific scorers available from the bench.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

What Time Does Newcastle vs. Barcelona Kick Off?

What Time Does Newcastle vs. Barcelona Kick Off?

How to Watch Newcastle vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream

How to Watch Newcastle vs. Barcelona on TV, Live Stream