Newcastle United host FC Barcelona at St. James’ Park of their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League opener, a marquee conflict on Matchday 1 of the competitors. With each golf equipment sharing a historic hyperlink by Sir Bobby Robson, expectations are excessive for a hard-fought begin to the marketing campaign.
Newcastle enter the match after a shaky begin to their Premier League season. The continuing drama surrounding star striker Alexander Isak pressured the membership to search out alternate options in assault earlier than finishing the signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Via 4 video games, the Magpies sit tenth within the desk with one win, two attracts, and one defeat.
Barcelona, in the meantime, arrive in a lot totally different type and are extensively thought-about one of many favorites for this yr’s event. The Catalan giants at the moment sit second in La Liga with 10 factors from 4 matches, recent off a 6-0 demolition of Valencia. That win got here with out star ahead Lamine Yamal, a significant increase in confidence for Hansi Flick’s facet heading into Europe.
Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s greatest absence
For his or her Champions League opener, Barcelona might be with out Yamal, forcing Flick to shuffle his choices within the assault. However after the emphatic win in opposition to Valencia, the German supervisor is assured his squad has the depth to cowl for {the teenager}’s absence.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona
At his Wednesday press convention, Flick pointed to summer season signing Marcus Rashford as a key piece. “We’ve got Marcus Rashford in our staff, and that’s nice, as a result of if somebody up entrance can’t play, he can. He confirmed that within the final recreation, and I hope he can ship the identical efficiency in England,” Flick stated.
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Why is Lamine Yamal not enjoying for Barcelona in opposition to Newcastle in UEFA Champions League opener?
Confirmed lineups for Newcastle United and Barcelona
Newcastle United’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento; Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali; Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes.
Head coach: Eddie Howe.
FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Fermín López, Marcus Rashford; Robert Lewandowski.
Head coach: Hansi Flick.
