St James' Park is set to host a classic to begin a new Champions League campaign for Newcastle United. The Magpies hosting Barcelona in a Champions League opener calls back to one of the best games ever played in the competition. Who could ever forget that memorable Faustino Asprilla's hat-trick against a star-studded Barcelona side?
Eddie Howe would be hoping for someone to emulate those feats again when the Catalans come calling on Thursday night. The hosts registered their first win this campaign before the all-important Champions League opener after a turbulent start. The winner from the new gunman, Nick Woltemade, would have filled the Gerodies' hearts with joy after plenty of drama surrounding their strikers. However, it takes more than a goal to beat a rampant Barcelona side. The entire team has to be on top of its game to record another victory over Barcelona after 27 years.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona is an entertaining side with no shortage of goals. With technical players and talents with infinite flair, they will dismantle sides in no time. They started the season in top form and dispatched Valencia 6-0 with a rotated side on the weekend to prepare for the Champions League encounter. With the injury room looking full already, Flick would love to come out of England with three points and no injuries.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona last-minute tickets: How to buy
When Barcelona visits St. James' Park, fans will flock to the ground to catch all the live action from the stadium. Official resellers like StubHub and Ticombo offer tickets at the last minute to help your cause and find the best seats in the house.
How to watch Newcastle United vs Barcelona online - TV channels & live streams
The game will be aired on TNT Sports 1 in the UK. It will be simulcast on Discovery+. For the fans in the US, Paramount+ is the go-to home for all the Champions League games.
How to watch anywhere with a VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona kick-off time
Newcastle United will square off against Barcelona at St. James' Park on September 18 at 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 21:00 CET.
Team news & squads
Newcastle United team news
- Woltemade's fast start to life would encourage Howe to hand him a European debut, but his minutes must also be carefully managed.
- Their big-money summer signings, striker Yoane Wissa and midfielder Jacob Ramsey, are unavailable for this clash.
- Howe might be tempted to field a back three to contain the threat of Barcelona with a robust mid-block. Anthony Gordon will make the lineup since his domestic suspension doesn't apply in Europe.
- Probable lineups: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Barcelona team news
- Lamine Yamal's availability will be the biggest concern for Flick before the kickoff. The teen sensation returned from international duty with a groin issue and might only make the bench after missing the Valencia game.
- Raphinha might start on the right, replacing Roony Bardghji, with Marcus Rashford slotting in on the left.
- Dutchman Frenkie de Jong will face a race against time to feature on Tyneside as he battles his muscular discomfort. Gavi, Alejandro Balde and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all ruled out of the game.
- Probable lineups: Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi; Pedri, Casado; Raphinha, Fermin, Rashford; Lewandowski.
Odds & Predictions
Despite the injury concerns, Spanish champions Barcelona are expected to be too good for Newcastle. Top bookmakers priced their win at 5/4. Newcastle United are priced at 21/10 if they do cause an upset. If the teams do shake hands with a point apiece after 90 minutes, the odds are priced at 21/10.


