Newcastle United predicted XI vs Barcelona: Who will Eddie Howe turn to in crunch Champions League decider? | OneFootball

Eddie Howe faces a daunting tactical challenge as Newcastle United travel to the Spotify Camp Nou for the second leg of their Champions League knockout tie against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Following a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park – where a late Lamine Yamal penalty cancelled out Harvey Barnes’ opener – the tie sits on a knife-edge.

Aaron Ramsdale is expected to retain his place in goal despite Nick Pope’s return to the matchday squad.

Howe has favoured Ramsdale’s distribution in recent matches, and a change in such a hostile environment appears unlikely.

The defensive line remains a primary concern. With Fabian Schar still sidelined, the makeshift pairing of Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn is set to continue.

Kieran Trippier’s big-game experience and elite set-piece delivery should see him start at right-back ahead of Tino Livramento, who is still working towards full fitness after a recent injury lay-off.

On the opposite flank, Lewis Hall was arguably Newcastle’s standout performer in the first leg and is set to start again.

With Bruno Guimaraes sidelined by a hamstring injury, Sandro Tonali is set to anchor the midfield after recovering from the virus that ruled him out of the weekend win over Chelsea.

He will be flanked by Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey.

Anthony Gordon returns to the team as a false nine. His energy and relentless pressing will be vital in disrupting Barcelona’s build-up play from the back.

Harvey Barnes is a guaranteed starter on the left following his crucial goal in the first leg, while Anthony Elanga’s raw pace on the right will result in him being preferred to Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle United predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.