Barcelona v Newcastle: Match Preview, Team News & Prediction

This might not be the biggest game in Newcastle's history - but it is definitely close.

Match Preview

After a heart breaking last minute penalty equaliser when Barcelona couldn't have complained if Newcastle had won by two goals, or even more, the scene is now set for more drama at the Nou Camp tonight.

Barceloan Head coach Hansi Flick was the first to acknowledge that his Barcelona side “didn't make a good game” in last week’s first leg, he has urged his players to perform “much better” in the return tie.

They didn't make a good game because Newcastle won the individual battles and no more so than Lewis Hall totally dominating Lamine Yamal.

Flick's high line tactic also opened up space for our fleet footed forwards and unless that tactic is changed to combat our pace up front - we'll get chances again tonight.

However, the reality is that in front of a sell out Nou Camp crowd Barcelona are unlikely to be as tepid as they were at SJP. They will be fired up and hot to trot.

Lamine Yamal will want to show Lewis Hall who is boss and his teammates have far too much quality not to put in a better performance than they did last week.

This is going to be a massive test, not just of Eddie Howe and the teams tactics and ability, but also of their mental strength in a game where Barcelona will likely dominate possession and look to swarm all over us.

If we go a goal behind, especially early on, that resolve will be tested to the limit.

Even if we score first I don't expect Barcelona to take their foot off the pedal and the team and us Toon fans - one way or the other - will likely be in for a nail biting evening.

Both teams go into the game on the back of League wins - Newcastle at Chelsea and Barcelona after thumping Sevilla 5-2 to go 4pts clear at the top of La Liga.

Team News

Newcastle: Sandro Tonali will have a late fitness test but other than that Eddie Howe has no new injuries to the squad.

Kieran Trippier's experience could be preferred over Tino Livramento for this game and if Tonali is fit it's a choice between Jo, Ransey and Willock for the other midfield spots.

Burn or Botman is the decision Eddie has to make at CB and Murphy or Elanga to partner Gordon and Barnes up front.

Barcelona: Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen are all unavailable.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

J. Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Prediction

3-0 to the Toon.

I wish!

If Newcastle pull this off it will definitely be the greatest away win in the clubs history.

Barcelona are one of the world's elite sides, top of their League and on track for the treble of La Liga, domestic cup and CL winners.

My feeling is that both teams will score but my head tells me that Barcelona will hit the net at least once more than we do.

They will perform far better than at SJP and we will have to perform even better than we did last week. That is the reality.

That said, my usual fiver is going on 2-1 to the Toon.

And, with the spirit and fight in this squad and a dash of fortune, the Lads just might make history in the Nou Camp.

I'm not betting against it :)

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