Match preview: Newcastle vs Bilbao
After their opening match defeat against Barcelona, Newcastle quickly proved they were no pushovers in the Champions League. Two consecutive wins, two clean sheets, and scoring seven goals against their opponents were strong evidence that Eddie Howe's team could compete on equal terms with any opponent. In their fourth match against Bilbao, the Magpies played at St James' Park, a venue where they had previously caused problems for the big teams.
Across all European competitions, Newcastle have lost only 4 of their last 33 home games, winning 22. The passionate atmosphere and immense pressure from the stands make this stadium a truly impenetrable fortress. However, Eddie Howe's side are not well-prepared for this match, having just suffered a 1-3 defeat against West Ham in the Premier League last weekend. In contrast to their impressive European form, Newcastle have been playing poorly in recent league matches.
On the other side of the battlefield, Athletic Bilbao is in serious decline. After a promising start in August, the Basque team has struggled in recent matches and dropped to the bottom half of the La Liga table. In the recent Basque derby, Bilbao fought hard against Real Sociedad but still succumbed in the final minutes. That defeat clearly exposed the team's psychological problems ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
Ernesto Valverde's team has also performed poorly in European competitions, having only earned 3 points from 3 matches. The humiliating defeats against Arsenal and Dortmund show that the Spanish team has little chance of surprising tough opponents. Their away record is also very poor, with 4 losses in their last 5 away games. Past results against English teams are a haunting memory for Bilbao, as they have only won once in almost three decades.
Newcastle vs Bilbao form and head-to-head history
Newcastle's recent form is better than Bilbao's. In their last five matches, Eddie Howe's team won three and lost two. Bilbao won two, lost two, and drew one.
The two teams have met three times, with Newcastle winning twice and Bilbao winning once. In their most recent encounter in 2022, the home team at St James' Park emerged victorious.
This match, part of the fourth round of fixtures, marks the first time the two teams have faced each other in the UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle vs Bilbao team news
Newcastle are without Wissa, Livramento, and Ashby due to injury.
Bilbao will be without Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, Sannadi, Prados, Unai Egiluz, Inigo Leku, and Yeray Alvarez.
Predicted lineups for Newcastle vs Bilbao
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Thiaw, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes.
Bilbao: Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Rego, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, Navarro; Guruzeta.
Predicted score: Newcastle 2-1 Bilbao
Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhan-dinh-newcastle-vs-bilbao-03h00-ngay-611-but-pha-than-toc-post1793444.tpo
Comment (0)