Return to European Nights on Tyneside
After a year away, the Champions League is back under the floodlights at St James’ Park. Newcastle host Barcelona in what promises to be a compelling league phase opener, a clash steeped in both excitement and expectation.
Eddie Howe’s side enter the contest short of two high-profile summer arrivals. Yoane Wissa, the £55 million signing from Brentford, has been sidelined since sustaining an injury with DR Congo. Jacob Ramsey, brought in from Aston Villa for £40m, remains out after damaging his ankle during the stalemate with Leeds. Their absence leaves Newcastle without two of their most eye-catching reinforcements.
Anthony Gordon, suspended for the Premier League victory over Wolves, is available again, with his ban applying only domestically. His return injects an important attacking option for Howe.
Barcelona Selection Concerns
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, arrive on Tyneside with injury issues of their own. Lamine Yamal misses out after a groin problem picked up with Spain, while Marc-André ter Stegen, Alejandro Balde and Gavi are also unavailable.
Frenkie de Jong has travelled, offering a lift in midfield for a side still stacked with talent. Flick may turn to Marcus Rashford, included in the predicted starting XI, to offer thrust alongside Robert Lewandowski in attack.
Predicted Newcastle XI
Nick Woltemade, another summer arrival, is tipped to make his first Champions League start. The German forward is expected to spearhead the Magpies’ front three.
(4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimarães, Tonali; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Unavailable: Wissa, Ramsey.
Predicted Barcelona XI
Despite their absentees, Barcelona remain formidable. Rashford’s inclusion adds intrigue, complementing the experience of Lewandowski and the creativity of Pedri.
(4-3-3): Garcia; Koundé, Araújo, Curbasi, Martin; Pedri, Casado; Raphinha, Fermín, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Unavailable: Balde, ter Stegen, Gavi, Yamal.
Match Details
Kick-off: 8pm BST, Thursday 18 September 2025
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
How to watch: TNT Sports
The scene is set: Newcastle’s long-awaited return collides with Barcelona’s pedigree. Tyneside braces for a night of high drama in Europe’s most demanding arena.
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