- Here is the Newcastle United vs Barcelona prediction article which breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at St James Park on Tuesday March 10, 2026.
- Kickoff is at 11:00pm EAT.
Newcastle United welcome Spanish giants FC Barcelona to St. James’ Park for the first leg of their 25/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
The Magpies are enjoying a historic European campaign as they prepare for their first ever appearance in the knockout stage of Europe’s elite competition.
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Meanwhile, Barcelona arrive in England determined to go further than last season, when their run ended in the semi-finals.
Newcastle booked their place in the last 16 after overcoming Azerbaijani side Qarabag FK in the knockout playoffs. Eddie Howe’s men produced a dominant 6-1 victory in the first leg, effectively sealing the tie before a 3-2 win in the return leg confirmed their progress.
The English side’s domestic form, however, has been inconsistent. In recent weeks they suffered a 3-2 Premier League defeat at home to Everton FC, beat Manchester United 2-1 despite finishing the match with 10 players, and most recently lost 3-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Despite the mixed results, Newcastle remain an entertaining team to watch. They have scored and conceded in each of their last 12 matches across all competitions, highlighting both their attacking threat and defensive vulnerability.
Barcelona, on the other hand, secured direct qualification to the Round of 16 after finishing fifth in the Champions League League phase. Under head coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants continue to pursue another European title.
The Spanish champions were involved in high-scoring matches during the league phase, with their eight games producing 36 total goals the joint highest in the competition alongside Borussia Dortmund.
In recent weeks, however, Barcelona have tightened up defensively. Their 1-0 La Liga victory over Athletic Bilbao courtesy of a goal from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal marked their eighth clean sheet of 2026 across all competitions.
Barcelona have also won four consecutive matches in all competitions and will head to Tyneside confident, especially after defeating Newcastle 2-1 at the same venue during the league phase earlier in the season.
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What time does Newcastle United vs Barcelona start?
The Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash between Newcastle United and Barcelona will kick off at 2300EAT on Tuesday at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona team news
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has received a small boost ahead of the clash, with Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade both recovering from recent fitness concerns.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also available again after serving a domestic suspension. Winger Anthony Gordon Newcastle’s leading scorer in the Champions League this season is likely to return to the starting lineup.
However, several key players remain unavailable for the Magpies. Bruno Guimaraes is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley are also expected to miss the match.
What time does Newcastle United vs Barcelona start?
The Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash between Newcastle United and Barcelona will kick off at 2300EAT on Tuesday at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona team news
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has received a small boost ahead of the clash, with Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade both recovering from recent fitness concerns.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also available again after serving a domestic suspension. Winger Anthony Gordon Newcastle’s leading scorer in the Champions League this season is likely to return to the starting lineup.
However, several key players remain unavailable for the Magpies. Bruno Guimaraes is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley are also expected to miss the match.
What time does Newcastle United vs Barcelona start?
The Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash between Newcastle United and Barcelona will kick off at 2300EAT on Tuesday at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona team news
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has received a small boost ahead of the clash, with Sandro Tonali and Nick Woltemade both recovering from recent fitness concerns.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also available again after serving a domestic suspension. Winger Anthony Gordon Newcastle’s leading scorer in the Champions League this season is likely to return to the starting lineup.
However, several key players remain unavailable for the Magpies. Bruno Guimaraes is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley are also expected to miss the match.
Barcelona will also be missing several important players due to injuries. Defenders Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are out with hamstring problems, while midfielders Gavi and Frenkie de Jong remain sidelined.
Defender Andreas Christensen is also unavailable with an ACL injury.
Despite those absences, Barcelona still possess a formidable attack led by Robert Lewandowski, supported by Yamal and Brazilian winger Raphinha.
Predicted lineups
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.
Barcelona: J. Garcia; E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Pedri, Casado; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona h2h, previous meeting and current form
Barcelona hold the psychological advantage heading into this encounter after winning 2-1 at St. James’ Park earlier in the Champions League league phase.
On that occasion, Marcus Rashford; on loan from Manchester United scored twice to give Barcelona a memorable victory on English soil.
Newcastle’s form in Europe has improved as the competition has progressed.
- Newcastle Champions League form: L D W D W W
- Newcastle form (all competitions): W L W L W L
Barcelona have also been in good shape recently, particularly in attack.
- Barcelona Champions League form: W D L W W W
- Barcelona form (all competitions):L L W W W W
Historically, Barcelona have also enjoyed success against English clubs in the Champions League knockout stages, winning each of their last five Round of 16 ties against teams from England.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona prediction
Newcastle will be hoping that the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park can inspire them to a positive result in their first ever Champions League Round of 16 match.
However, Barcelona’s experience at this stage of the competition could prove decisive. Even with several key injuries, the Spanish giants still possess enough attacking quality to trouble the hosts.
Newcastle are likely to create chances, but Barcelona’s firepower may ultimately give them the edge in the first leg.
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