Newcastle vs Barcelona preview: Magpies handed daunting opening test on Champions League return | OneFootball

Back amongst Europe’s elite for the second time in three seasons, Newcastle United will entertain Barcelona at St James’ Park on Thursday.

While the home side missed out entirely on Champions League football last time out, the visitors came within minutes of a place in the final and will head into this season’s edition as one of the favourites.

Newcastle preview

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat to Everton in their final league game of last season, Newcastle just about secured a place in the Champions League, finishing ahead of sixth-place Aston Villa on goal difference.

The allure of a place in Europe’s premier club competition was supposed to aid the acquisition of new players, but Newcastle missed out on multiple targets and lost talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Eddie Howe’s side picked up their first league win at the first time of asking over the weekend as Nick Woltemade’s debut goal proved decisive against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle managed just five points from six matches during their most recent Champions League run, which ended in a group-stage exit, and they will be eager to make a better impression this time around.

With seven defeats in their previous 13 matches against Spanish opponents, including three in their four meetings against Barca, the hosts have it all to do if they are to come away with all three points here.

Barcelona preview

Barcelona were tipped by many to end their 10-year wait for a Champions League title last season, but fell short to Inter Milan at the penultimate stage.

However, a league and cup double ensured that Hansi Flick’s debut campaign was undoubtedly a success.

The German will have his sights set on conquering Europe for the second time after going all the way with Bayern Munich.

With 13 goals scored already across their four matches, Barcelona have wasted no time picking up where they left off.

Sunday’s 6-0 demolition of Valencia was an ideal tone-setter for the Blaugrana ahead of their trip to Tyneside.

Barcelona are now unbeaten in nine straight matches, scoring at least three goals on all but one occasion.

Team news

Newcastle summer signings Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle) are nursing injuries, ruling them out of contention.

Anthony Gordon did not participate in the win over Wolves due to a suspension, but he is poised to start for the hosts in this one.

Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski came off the bench to score two goals apiece against Valencia, and both players should feature right from the off here.

Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong missed the game due to injuries sustained on international duty. Yamal is unlikely to be fit, but De Jong could feature.

Spanish duo Alejandro Balde and Gavi are unavailable due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out with a back issue.

Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Burn, Schar, Trippier; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.

Barcelona Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, Casado; Rashford, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.