How Newcastle could line up in Champions League clash vs Bayer Leverkusen (4-3-3) | OneFootball

Newcastle United are set to take on Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday night’s Champions League showdown at BayArena.

The Magpies suffered only their second Champions League defeat last time out when French giants Olympique Marseille came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at Orange Velodrome.

Harvey Barnes put the visitors ahead inside six minutes, but it didn’t take long for that early momentum to fade as Newcastle failed to create another clear opening.

That loss summed up a Newcastle campaign that has been anything but smooth sailing, although they managed to string a three-match unbeaten run since the defeat in France (W2, D1).

Eddie Howe’s troops come into this game on the back of an unconvincing 2-1 win against Burnley, but it should still boost their optimism ahead of the Leverkusen clash.

Newcastle sit 15th in the Champions League standings after taking nine points from five games, but a win against Leverkusen could send them into the top eight if other results go their way.

There’s enough reason for Newcastle to be optimistic about their chances.

They arrive in midweek action in decent form, having collected two wins and a draw in their last three outings, scoring eight goals and conceding four.

They also hold fond memories of past meetings with Leverkusen, winning both previous encounters 3-1.

How Newcastle could line up

After ripping into his team for failing to control the game better against Burnley, Howe is likely to respond with at least three changes for tonight’s Champions League contest.

With Nick Pope still struggling to shake off a groin issue, Aaron Ramsdale is set to make his Champions League debut for the Magpies between the sticks.

Lewis Hall will likely come in for Dan Burn while Fabian Schar continues his partnership with Malick Thiaw in the absence of the injured Sven Botman.

Kieran Trippier is also confined to the infirmary, so Tino Livramento should keep his place at right back.

Howe will likely return to his trusted midfield trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali after tweaking the set-up against Burnley.

Although he could stick with the same front three of Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Elanga.