Newcastle United return to the Champions League and welcome European giants Barcelona to St James’ Park in a blockbuster opening game of their campaign.
It’s been 22 years since Newcastle last faced Barcelona in the Champions League, following Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick in a memorable first meeting in 1997.
Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three years last season and they will hope for a longer run in Europe this time around.
Two years ago, the Magpies sensationally defeated Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park but were ultimately knocked out of the ‘group of death’.
A change in format could work in Newcastle’s favour, but Spanish champions and last season’s semi-finalists Barcelona is another tough start for Howe’s side.
When is Newcastle v Barcelona?
The Champions League tie will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 18 September at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
How can I watch it?
Newcastle v Barcelona will be shown live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, with coverage getting underway from 7pm.
What is the team news?
Nick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy drop to the bench as Eddie Howe makes two changes from the side that started against Wolves.
They are replaced by Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon, who returns for the first time since his red card against Liverpool last month.
New signing Yoane Wissa has been ruled out until October due to a knee injury, while Jacob Ramsey is also unavailable.
Frenkie de Jong returns from injury to start for Barcelona, who name Marcus Rashford in their starting line-up alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha for the visit to St James’ Park.
Ronald Araujo returns at centre-back to captain the visitors. Lamine Yamal is not available due to injury while Gavi and Alejandro Balde are out.
Confirmed line-ups
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Fermin; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Rashford
Odds
Newcastle to win - 6/4
Draw - 13/5
Barcelona to win - 13/8
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