Predicted Newcastle United XI vs Barcelona – Pope to return in goal | OneFootball

Newcastle United welcome European giants Barcelona to St James’ Park on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Eddie Howe will have some big selection calls to make as he takes charge of arguably the biggest game of his career to date.

Newcastle are currently without captain Bruno Guimaraes, who remains sidelined with a severe thigh injury sustained in early February.

Guimaraes is joined on the treatment table by Fabian Schar (ankle), Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley (both knee).

Nick Pope is expected to return in goal, replacing Aaron Ramsdale after the latter’s difficult outing in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Malick Thiaw is likely to partner Sven Botman at centre-back, while Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall are set to start in the full-back roles, tasked with containing the threat of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.

With Guimaraes out, Sandro Tonali is expected to anchor the midfield, with Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey on either side. Ramsey has only just returned from suspension and will be eager to impress.

Up front, Howe faces a dilemma. Nick Woltemade has recovered from illness but struggled to impress against Man City which is in keeping with his recent form.

As a result, Yoane Wissa is tipped to lead the line, flanked by Anthony Gordon – who has scored 10 Champions League goals this season – and Harvey Barnes. Gordon’s European form has been a rare bright spot for Newcastle.