Barcelona, you've been warned! Newcastle are 'really tough to beat at St James' Park' as club legend predicts Spanish giants to drop points in Champions League opener

The Magpies return to Europe’s top table after finishing fifth in last season’s Premier League, their qualification only confirmed in a nail-biting finale. Despite a final-day defeat to Everton, Aston Villa’s loss at Manchester United saved Newcastle’s European dream. Now, the black-and-white faithful are preparing to unleash a thunderous atmosphere as last season’s La Liga winners roll into Tyneside.

Hansi Flick’s men are among the bookies’ frontrunners to lift the trophy after storming La Liga last season and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Yet Shearer believes reputation counts for little under the lights at St James’ Park.

"It's a tough one to predict. I guess Barcelona, because of their history and everything else, may be slight favourites but it'll be a really interesting and tough game," he told Betfair. "It's a tough one to predict but I think Newcastle, at home, will make it as tough as possible, and I think they'll get something out of the game. I think it may be a draw."

Shearer believes the revamped Champions League format could play straight into Newcastle’s hands. The group stage has been scrapped, replaced with a league system that rewards consistency and resilience.

"This new format will suit Newcastle better because they'll be really tough to beat at St James' Park," he opined. "I think I'm like the vast majority in that the format worked last season. It was much better, more exciting and there was more to play for. If I'm right in saying, 11 points was enough to get in the top 24 so I'd be hopeful that Newcastle could do that. I guess getting 12 would most-likely guarantee you getting through but 11 gives you a good chance."

Barcelona are arriving as favourites, but as Shearer notes, they face an almighty task to kick off their European campaign. With Lamine Yamal out injured, their task is that much harder.