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 However, he has now been replaced by Nick Woltemade who scored on debut for Newcastle United as they defeated Wolves 1-0 at the weekend, with the former Stuttgart man notching a first-half header.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 on the final day of Matchday 1.
Newcastle vs. Barcelona prediction
Newcastle have not quite played with the aggression and intensity this season, aside from a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. 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
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- Barcelona are one of the leading contenders to win the UEFA Champions League this with the bookmakers.
- Hansi Flick's side are also favourites to beat Real Madrid to the La Liga title in May.
- Leading Ballon d'Or contender Lamine Yamal misses out with a groin injury.
- Newcastle are given a 37% chance of beating Barcelona at 17/10 with Bresbet.
- There is a big sign up offer from Paddy Power for the headline match on Thursday night.
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. England left-wing rival Marcus Rashford could start again for the Blaugrana this midweek but Lamine Yamal misses out.
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 11/8 at Bresbet. Newcastle are priced up at 17/10 with the bookmaker, whilst the draw is 13/5.
Our 1-2 prediction is at best odds of 17/2 with Bet365 but here's the best available odds for four of the other most likely results.
Result | Odds* | Bet with |
Draw 1-1 | ||
Barcelona 2-1 | ||
Newcastle 2-1 | ||
Draw 2-2 | ||
Barcelona 1-0 |
*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.
- 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 Bet Builder tips
Our bet builder for this one includes Barcelona to win, both teams to score, Barcelona to have over 5.5 corners in the match, Newcastle to have over 5.5 corners in the match and Raphinha to score at anytime, which comes to overall odds of 27/1 with Bresbet.
You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.
How to watch Newcastle vs. Barcelona: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
- Time & TV/Stream: 8:00 p.m. | TNT Sports / discovery+