Newcastle host Barcelona in a battle for a place in the top eight of European football for the 2025/26 season, with the two teams currently in contrasting positions.
Currently, Newcastle are only 12th in the Premier League. Their recent 1-3 home defeat to Manchester City at St James' Park also saw them eliminated from the FA Cup.
Barca previously beat Newcastle in their opening group stage match. Photo: EFE
Now, Eddie Howe's team only has the Champions League to focus on, hoping to go as far as possible. It's a truly arduous journey.
Meanwhile, Barca still lead La Liga by 4 points over Real Madrid. Last weekend, they won 1-0 at San Mames against Bilbao thanks to a goal from Lamine Yamal.
In the five previous encounters between the two teams, the Catalan side has won four times and lost only once. Barca's most recent victory was in the opening group stage match at St James' Park, winning 2-1 thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford.
In the group stage, Barca was also the only Spanish team to win against a Premier League representative.
Barcelona are confident of another victory as they return to the famous city on the banks of the Tyne River. Lamine Yamal's excellent form is a key factor for the "Blaugrana," alongside Pedri's outstanding performance.
“The Champions League is completely different ,” Hansi Flick warned his players to stay focused despite Newcastle’s poor domestic form. “Everyone wants to perform at their best.”
We have to play in a way that suits them. It won't be easy. We need to know how to deal with their quick players and find a solution . ”
Yamal is expected to shine. Photo: EFE
Hansi Flick faces a dilemma: how to prevent Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez from receiving any more yellow cards. If they are cautioned, they will miss the second leg next week.
Another factor Flick needs to pay attention to in order to gain an advantage is corner kicks or set pieces. Newcastle will make the most of these situations against Barca's not-so-solid defense.
It was a tough match, but Barca were still considered the favorites against the home team.
Force:
Newcastle: Bruno Guimaraes, Miley, and Schar are injured.
Barca: Balde, Christensen, De Jong, Gavi, and Kounde are injured.
Predicted lineup:
Newcastle (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Barca (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Casado; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Prediction: Barca wins 2-1 .
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-newcastle-vs-barca-vong-1-8-cup-c1-2496021.html
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