Date: 18/09/25
Kick-off time: 20:00 UK
Venue: St. James’ Park

Champions League nights are back at St. James’ Park, and this one feels massive. Newcastle open their 2025/26 campaign against Barcelona, a European giant with history, trophies, and some serious firepower.

For the Magpies, it’s a chance to prove they belong at this level again. For Barcelona, it’s about showing they’re still one of the most feared sides in the world. Can Newcastle pull off something special under the lights? Let’s take a look.

Newcastle vs Barcelona Team News

Newcastle will be desperate to start strong, but they’re not at full strength. Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool leaves a big hole up front. New strikers Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade are pushing for starts, while Joelinton is racing against time to be fit. The midfield still looks solid, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Jacob Ramsey likely to anchor things. In defence, Trippier’s leadership and Schar’s stability are going to be crucial.

Barcelona also have their injury problems. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen misses out, and Alejandro Balde is unavailable. Gavi remains a doubt, which could hand more responsibility to Pedri in midfield. Up front, expect to see Lamine Yamal buzzing on the wing, Raphinha stretching the play, and Robert Lewandowski leading the line. Marcus Rashford, a summer signing, should also play a role – and that’s a scary prospect for Newcastle’s back four.

Likely Lineups

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Gordon, Wissa, Almiron

Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Newcastle vs Barcelona Betting Tips

Here’s what I think… this game won’t be a high-scoring thriller. Both teams are strongest in midfield, and neither will want to take big risks early on.

Still, Barcelona’s attack is loaded with talent. Yamal’s dribbling, Raphinha’s pace, and Lewandowski’s finishing always mean goals are possible. On the flip side, Newcastle at home are a different beast. Last season in the Premier League, they won 12 of their 19 home matches, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 20. St. James’ Park is a fortress.

A few betting angles worth looking at:

• Under 2.5 goals – both sides could cancel each other out.
• Both teams to score – Yes – Newcastle always find a way at home, and Barca rarely draw blanks.
• Correct Score 1-1 – feels like the most realistic outcome.

Newcastle vs Barcelona Match Prediction

I can see this one being tight. Newcastle will play with energy, the crowd will be buzzing, and Barcelona will take time to settle in the colder, wetter conditions of the North East.

Barca’s quality is obvious, but their away form in Europe hasn’t been great recently. Newcastle, on the other hand, rise to big occasions – just ask PSG, who were hammered 4-1 here two years ago.

Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Barcelona Correct Score Tips & Prediction

If you’re looking at scorelines, 1-1 is the safe shout. Newcastle won’t be easy to break down, and Barcelona will always create something with their front line. If you fancy an upset, 2-1 Newcastle at home is tempting – especially if the new strikers hit the ground running.

Correct Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Barcelona Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

The stats suggest goals are usually on the menu when Barcelona play away – they’ve seen both teams score and over 2.5 in 7 of their last 8 away Champions League games. Newcastle, meanwhile, have had both teams score in 5 of their last 8 home matches in Europe.

That said, I think this one plays a little differently. The stakes are high, the conditions tough, and both teams know the group stage is a marathon.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Newcastle vs Barcelona Bet Builder Tip

Here’s a Bet Builder combo that fits how I see this match going:

• Both teams to score
• Under 3.5 goals
• Lamine Yamal anytime assist
• Bruno Guimaraes 1+ shot on target

That’s your “tight but entertaining” special.

Bet Builder Tip: Both teams to score, Under 3.5 Goals, Lamine Yamal anytime assist, Bruno Guimaraes 1+ shot on target. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Barcelona have won 3 of the 4 meetings between these sides.
• Newcastle’s only victory came in 1997, when Faustino Asprilla scored a hat-trick.
• Barcelona have lost their last 2 Champions League away matches.
• Newcastle won 12 Premier League home games last season, the third-best record in the league.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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