Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their iconic Champions League return underway on Thursday night, Newcastle will welcome Barcelona to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have made real history last season as they eventually dragged themselves to another famous Champions League adventure, the Magpies have struggled to find any real fluidity this time around. Despite marking their return from September’s international break with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Wolves, that is the only win that Eddie Howe’s camp have recorded from their first four Premier League appearances. Watching now-former attacking talisman Alexander Isak complete a messy divorce on Deadline Day, it is no secret that Newcastle are still searching for a clinical edge in the final third. Heading into September’s fortnight interval with a 0-0 stalemate away at Premier League returners Leeds, the ex-Bournemouth boss will be bracing himself for a monumental showdown on Thursday night.
Newcastle Team News
While England international Anthony Gordon might currently be serving a domestic suspension, the former Everton star will return to Howe’s squad on Thursday night and could be handed a full recall. However, Newcastle are sweating over the fitness of new arrival Jacob Ramsey after the former Aston Villa ace missed out over the weekend.
Opening his Premier League account and bagging the winner against Wolves on his English debut, new recruit Nick Woltemade will lead the line at St. James’ Park. Fellow summer arrival and Sweden international Anthony Elanga should join Woltemade in the final third.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, reclaiming their La Liga crown and making a major statement last season, Barcelona have embarked on a sensational rise since Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia. Marking their return from September’s international break with a sensational performance on home soil, the mood in their camp remains at a red-hot high. Eventually storming their way to a 6-0 romp against Valencia, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad register 10 points from their first four La Liga appearances. Getting proceedings underway with a routine 3-0 victory away at Mallorca on August 16th, Barcelona have certainly gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. With many billing the Spanish giants as a potential European contender this season, Flick’s men will be looking to make a heavyweight statement here.
Barcelona Team News
Missing out against Valencia over the weekend, Barcelona are once again sweating over the fitness of Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal on Thursday night. However, settling for a spot on the bench on Sunday, former Leeds talisman Raphinha could be handed a full recall at St. James’ Park.
Bagging a brace against Mallorca over the weekend and now registering three goals in his back-to-back appearances for club and country over the past week, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Flick’s attack. Summer recruit and Spanish shot-stopper Joan Garcia should keep his spot between the sticks here.
Newcastle vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona last travelled to St. James’ Park for a Champions League showdown way back in 2003, Thursday’s guests collected a 2-0 victory.
- Barcelona have registered 10 points from their opening four La Liga appearances this season.
- Likewise, the Spanish giants have registered 13 goals in those four consecutive domestic appearances.
- Continuing on from last season, Newcastle have mustered just a single win from any of their previous six Premier League showdowns.
- The Magpies have also drawn a blank in four of those six Premier League appearances.
Conclusion
Marking their return from September’s international break with a sensational 6-0 romp at home against Valencia on Sunday, Barcelona have come flying out of the traps since opening up the new campaign. Notching 13 goals in their first four La Liga appearances and already putting 10 points on the board, the reigning Spanish champions could be smelling the chance to lay down a real marker on foreign soil. Meeting a Newcastle squad who have shown some real cause for concern on either side of the summer interval, we are backing an away victory at St. James’ Park in midweek.
Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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