Newcastle vs Barcelona prediction 18.09.2025 | Champions League

After one year of absence, Newcastle are returning to the Champions League. They didn't have too many successes in their previous appearance in the most elite European competition, but now they seem good enough to progress at least to the playoffs. However, Newcastle's start of the season in the Premier League was rough as they won only two points in the opening three rounds. The negative streak was broken last weekend, when Newcastle won 1-0 at home against Wolverhampton. The home side ended the match with an xG of 1.56, while the guests had only 0.50, so Newcastle's victory was well-deserved. 

Newcastle doesn't have big injury problems ahead of the game against Barcelona. Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey are the only ones unavailable for Thursday. With Wissa being unavailable, Nick Woltemade is expected to remain the focal point of the attack.

Barcelona is one of the most successful European teams. Last season, they fell just short in a dramatic semifinal against Inter Milan, but now they look determined to climb back to the top and chase their sixth Champions League crown. Barcelona are almost perfect so far in the 2025/26 season as they have won ten points in four La Liga matches. Last weekend, Hansi Flick's team trashed Valencia 6-0 at home. That was the best display from Barcelona this season, and the team will travel to Newcastle with a lot of confidence. 

It is still the start of the season, but Barcelona already have injury problems. Lamine Yamal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Alejandro Balde are out and will not play on Thursday night in Newcastle. 

Some changes in Barcelona's starting lineup are likely. Raphinha was dropped off at the Valencia clash after arriving late for the final training session, with Roony Bardghji taking his place. However, the Brazilian winger is expected to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.