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Barcelona play hosts to Newcastle for the second leg of their UCL last 16 match. The scores ended up 1-1 after a dramatic last-minute penalty was awarded to Barca at St James Park.
Lamine Yamal stepped up and made the scores equal after Harvey Barnes’ opener. Barcelona will be seen as the favourites to win at home, but nobody plays the underdogs better than Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s men warmed up for this match in perfect fashion, beating Chelsea away, and, with a healthy Anthony Gordon ready to start on Wednesday, it may just be Newcastle’s night.
Having said that, Barcelona also had a good weekend, beating Sevilla 5-2 with a hat-trick from Raphinha. With both teams having momentum, it is set to be a tasty encounter.
Barcelona v Newcastle key information
• Date: Wednesday, March 18
• Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMT
• Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
• Referee: François Letexier
• VAR: Bram Van Driessche
• TV channels: TNT Sports (UK)
• Odds: FCB (11/20) - DRAW (15/4) - NEW (15/4)
Barcelona team news
Gavi made his return to the pitch in the win over Sevilla on the weekend. The young Spaniard has been out since August with a knee injury, and his return for the end of the season will boost Barcelona’s chances in both this competition and in LaLiga.
This game still seems one too soon for Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde, Joules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong, who are all set to remain out until next month.
Barcelona predicted lineup v Newcastle, (4-3-3)
Coach: Hansi Flick
Joan Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Newcastle team news
After the game against Chelsea, Anthony Gordon spoke to the media to clarify his situation in the first leg, explaining that the manager dropped him because of illness. He was well enough to start on Saturday and will be expected to start on Wednesday.
Sunday also saw the return of Tino Livramento to the starting lineup after a spell out with injury. Kieran Tripper has been performing well in the position in his abscene so it is to be seen which player gets the spot for the trip to Barcelona. Sandro Tonali missed the Chelsea game because of illness; he is expected to be well enough for this game.
Newcastle predicted lineup v Barcelona, (4-3-3)
Coach: Eddie Howe
Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Where to watch on TV or live stream?
This UCL match between Barcelona and Newcastle will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. To access TNT Sports, you need a subscription through discovery+, after which you can stream the match on the app, via your smart TV, on the website, or through your TV provider.
Head-to-head record
Barcelona have won both of their previous home games against Newcastle United in the UCL, beating them 1-0 in November 1997 and 3-1 in December 2002. That record is made worse when looking at Newcastle’s overall away record against Spanish teams in all competitions, with the Geordies having only won one of six.
After last week, the record between the two teams now sits at four Barca wins, one Newcastle win and one draw. Both teams won on the weekend, so both come into this game in good form. Barca have five wins in their last six games (1D), whereas Newcastle have three wins in their last six (1D, 2L).
Odds for Barcelona v Newcastle
Barcelona are favourites to win, being 11/20 at bet365. Newcastle are 15/4 with a draw at 15/4 as well.
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.