Newcastle vs Barcelona predictions: Magpies set for epic European night
Nick Woltemade scored on his Newcastle debut in the 1-0 win over Wolves
Barcelona thrashed Valencia 6-0 in LaLiga on Sunday
Recommended bet: Draw
Newcastle host Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night and fans will be glad to focus on an exciting evening under the lights after a summer which revolved around the Alexander Isak saga which led to the striker eventually leaving for Liverpool.
However, the Magpies now have a new goal hero in Nick Woltemade who scored on his debut and who will be hoping to add to his tally against Barca.
The Catalan giants have had a strong start to the LaLiga season and will have manager Hansi Flick in the dugout after his touchline ban was lifted by UEFA.
The latest Newcastle vs Barcelona odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
Newcastle will be without summer signings Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa. Ramsey suffered an ankle injury heading into the international break, while Wissa picked up a knee injury playing for DR Congo.
The big news for Barca is that Lamine Yamal is a major doubt for the trip to Tyneside with a groin problem.
Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, picked up a muscle problem during international duty with the Netherlands and the game may come too soon for him to feature.
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are also out, while goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still sidelined following back surgery. Joan Garcia has deputised between the sticks so far this season.
The stats
This will be the fifth competitive meeting between Newcastle and Barcelona. The Magpies won the first clash 3-2 in September 1997 but have lost the following three matches.
Barca have won 12 of their last 16 Champions League games against English opposition (drawing two and losing two), scoring 2.1 goals per game on average during the run.
Newcastle have faced Spanish opposition 11 times in major European competition, winning six matches, including each of their last three in succession, losing five.
Barca were defeated in their last away Champions League game on English soil (4-0 v Liverpool at Anfield) and have only lost consecutive such matches on one occasion previously (v Arsenal in 2011 and Chelsea in 2012).
Newcastle have won just one of their last eight Champions League games, a 4-1 home victory over Paris Saint-Germain during the 2023/24 group stage.
The latest Newcastle vs Barcelona odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
Barcelona may be showing top form domestically in Spain but will have to deal with a different kind of pressure in a cauldron of noise at St James' Park.
While the Magpies have drawn twice and lost to Liverpool, the 1-0 victory over Wolves will give Eddie Howe's men belief heading into this European fixture.
With the supporters behind the team, the Tynesiders could rise to the occasion and spring a surprise, but while they may not have enough to get the better of Barca, a draw is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Nick Woltemade will likely lead the line and could provide the Barca backline with problems, particularly in the air.
