Barcelona predicted XI vs Newcastle United as Hansi Flick set to hand €12m player first start of 25/26 season | OneFootball

The first encounter for FC Barcelona in this season’s UEFA Champions League is coming up shortly. Heading over to England, the Catalan giants will be taking on Premier League side Newcastle United away from home following their recent victory over Valencia.

However, with key players like Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde still out injured, things could get difficult for Hansi Flick’s side. Fortunately, he has more than enough quality in his squad to field a strong starting eleven to take on this challenge.

Here is how Barça could line up for this big European fixture.

Barcelona Predicted XI:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

With four great performances so far during the season, Joan Garcia shows no signs of stopping. The Spaniard deserves all the praise that he is getting, and he seems to be a guarantee for Barça in between the sticks.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The French defender had a great outing in the previous game, and he seems to have found his rhythm again. That is exactly what was needed, and he now seems to be a more certain pick to start against Newcastle United.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

While Eric Garcia started alongside Pau Cubarsi in the last game, this match might suit Ronald Araujo a bit more. Newcastle United will definitely be a physical opponent, and a defender like Araujo might just be needed here.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

His ball-playing ability continues to be an incredible asset for Flick’s side. Moreover, his reading of the game often helps the team avoid unnecessary complications, and he remains a leader when it comes to setting up the offside trap.

Left-back: Gerard Martin

The Spanish left-back remains consistent enough for Hansi Flick to continue depending on him in the absence of Alejandro Balde. His defensive awareness is solid, and he continues to be a good help in both defense and going forward.

CDM: Marc Casado

Even with Frenkie de Jong back in the squad, it might be too early for him to start just yet. Fortunately, Marc Casado remains a great alternative option, and his performance in the last game only further proved that.

CDM: Pedri

The Spaniard continues to be the dictator of this team’s fluidity and smooth football. Thanks to Pedri, Barça is able to take on any opponent knowing that the world’s best midfielder is right there to bail them out or create something out of nothing for them.

RAM: Raphinha

Two great finishes in the last game saw Raphinha grab a brace. Considering his form and his desire to succeed in the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, he will surely be starting this game.

CAM: Fermin Lopez

After scoring two brilliant goals against Valencia, Fermin Lopez should be a guarantee for this game. He has every reason to start in this match, and Hansi Flick will likely be aware of that as well.

LAM: Marcus Rashford

Managed to grab an assist in his previous game, and perhaps an opponent like Newcastle United, that will not just sit back, might suit Marcus Rashford as well.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

Ferran Torres has enjoyed a strong start to the season, scoring twice in four games and giving Hansi Flick no reason to bench him. Even so, few players in world football can match Robert Lewandowski’s scoring prowess, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.

The veteran striker’s vast experience could prove decisive, and this may be his first start of the 2025/26 campaign after an impressive cameo in which he netted a brace against Valencia last week.

The €12 million-rated Polish forward missed the opening games due to discomfort, but he is now back to full fitness and should start ahead of the Spaniard.