This has the potential to be one of the most entertaining watches for the neutral in the opening match day of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase.
Eddie Howe has had to deal with the prolonged departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool. However, he has now been replaced by Nick Woltemade who scored on debut for Newcastle United as they defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at the weekend, with the former Stuttgart man notching a first-half header.
Barcelona got back on the winning track at the weekend as they dispatched of Valencia at Estadi Johan Cruyff 6-0 with Hansi Flick’s side having been criticised for their performance in a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano before the September international break.
The Sporting News has all the latest odds, tips and predictions for this clash at St. James’ Park in Newcastle this midweek.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona prediction
Newcastle have not quite played with the aggression and intensity, aside from a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, this season. However, the visit of Barca is surely set to spark a febrile atmosphere on Tyneside and it should lead to a bit of a thriller for the neutral, albeit the Catalans’ sheer level of attacking quality marks them out as the favourites.
The Sporting News Score Prediction:
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
- Barcelona are one of the leading contenders to win the UEFA Champions League this season, with Newcastle also in the shake up.
- Hansi Flick's side are also favourites to defend their La Liga title with the bookmakers.
- Newcastle are given a 37% chance of beating Barcelona at 2.67 with Parimatch.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona lineups
Here's how we think these two sides this weekend. Eddie Howe will have Anthony Gordon available after his Premier League suspension, whilst his England left-wing rival Marcus Rashford could start again for the Blaugrana this midweek.
Newcastle predicted lineup to play Barcelona
(4-3-3, right to left)
- Pope (GK) — Trippier, Schar, Botman, Livramento — Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Injured: Ramsey, Wissa
Suspended: None
Barcelona predicted lineup to play Newcastle
(4-2-3-1, right to left)
- Joan Garcia (GK) — Kounde, Eric Garcia, Christensen, Gerard Martin — Pedri, Marc Casado — Rashford, Dani Olmo, Raphinha — Ferran Torres
Injured: Ter Stegen, Alex Balde (doubt), De Jong (doubt), Lamine Yamal (doubt)
Suspended: None
Newcastle vs. Barcelona latest odds, correct score betting
Barcelona are the slight favourites for this one, with best odds of 2.40 at Dafabet. Newcastle are priced up at 2.84 with the bookmaker, whilst the draw is 3.93.
Our 1-2 prediction is at best odds of 9.59 with Dafabet but here's the best available odds for four of the other most likely results.
Result | Odds* | Bet with |
Draw 1-1 | 8.46 | |
Barcelona 2-1 | 9.59 | |
Newcastle 2-1 | 9.89 | |
Draw 2-2 | 11.42 | |
Barcelona 1-0 | 13.35 |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona team news
- A couple of Newcastle’s summer signings, Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa, are both sidelined for the Magpies through injury this autumn.
- Eddie Howe could well refresh both wings this week, with Anthony Elanga coming in from the bench and Anthony Gordon starting ahead of Harvey Barnes.
- Ballon d'Or favourite Lamine Yamal missed out for Barcelona at the weekend due to a groin injury and he remains a doubt alongside both Alex Balde and Frenkie de Jong.
- Raphinha should start after being punished for turning up late to training by being dropped the other day, whilst Robert Lewandowski is easing his way back to full fitness.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona betting tips
The Sporting News fancy Barcelona's class to shine through against Newcastle and are tipping them to grab all three points. That said, don't expect the Catalans to run riot, even with their recent goal-scoring form, as the Magpies have shown real defensive steel, three clean sheets in their first four Premier League outings and only three goals conceded. With that in mind, Barcelona to Win with Over 3.5 Goals looks the value bet at 3.87 with Parimatch.
How to watch Newcastle vs. Barcelona: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
- Time & TV/Stream: 12:30 a.m. IST | Sony Sports Network