Barcelona will be eager to take a step closer to ending their 11-year drought in the UEFA Champions League when they visit Newcastle United at St James' Park in the first leg of the Round of 16 on Tuesday night (10pm).
Barca are further motivated to come away with victory after their 2-1 win in the League Phase at the same venue last year. However, they will know that underestimating the Magpies at home would be dangerous, given their impressive form in Europe and their potent attack led by Anthony Gordon.
Recent form
Newcastle (last five UCL games): D–W–D–W–W
Barcelona (last five UCL games): D–L–W–W–W
Injuries & suspensions
Newcastle:
Bruno Guimarães (hamstring)
Fabian Schär (ankle)
Emil Krafth (knee)
Lewis Miley (knee)
Tino Livramento (doubt)
Barcelona:
Lamine Yamal (groin)
Alejandro Balde (hamstring)
Jules Koundé (hamstring)
Andreas Christensen (ACL tear)
Frenkie de Jong (hamstring)
Gavi (doubt)
Marc Bernal (ACL tear)
Key players to watch
Anthony Gordon – Newcastle
The English winger has been in superb form in Europe for the Magpies, scoring 10 goals so far, including in the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona during the League Phase. As a result, he will likely be central to Newcastle’s attacking threat.
Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
Lewandowski remains Barcelona’s go-to man for goals. While he has already lifted major honours at the club, including La Liga, the Champions League crown remains a prize he desperately wants to win again.
Head-to-head record (UCL)
Games played: 5
Newcastle wins: 1
Barcelona wins: 4
Draws: 0
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier,Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J. GarcÃa; E. GarcÃa, CubarsÃ, MartÃn, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Rashford, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Disclaimer: The above line-ups are predictions and may not reflect the official team sheets, which are usually released closer to kick-off.
