Preview: Newcastle v Athletic Bilbao

Tonight at 8pm Newcastle United host Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park in what is a pivotal match in our UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Toon currently sit on six points from three group matches and will be looking to get a third win before a tough run sees us play three away games in the next four;

• Olympique de Marseille (Away) — 25 November 2025 

• Bayer Leverkusen (Away) — 10 December 2025 

• PSV Eindhoven (Home) — 21 January 2026 

• Paris Saint‑Germain (Away) — 28 January 2026 

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are chasing their first away win in Europe for some time and have won one and lost two of their opening three group games.

Team News

Following the depressing 3-1 league defeat away at West Ham, Eddie Howe has decisions to make. He is sure to make changes tonight but how many?

From goalkeeper to CF there are cases to make a change.

Does Ramsdale get another chance - does Hall play and if so does Burn return to CB - will Bruno recover from illness or will Eddie give him more time to recover - is it time to rest Joelinton and play Ramsey - will Woltemade be rested for Osula...

We'll find out at 7pm tonight but, before then and by 6pm, mark your card and predict your starting 11 in Eddie's Bingo.

Athletic Bilbao: The Basque side arrive under pressure.

Their recent La Liga form has been patchy, they need a win tonight, and they are hampered by a number of injuries to key players.

A draw and point is not enough to make up for two previous defeats so whilst they may set up defensively, they will have to look to attack and go for a win.

We need to be on our guard against the quick breaks that led to West Ham's second and third goals because that is where we are most likely to concede when pushing high.

Both of those breaks came down Burn's side and he, we and Eddie know he is not the quickest and that's why there is a strong case for Hall taking the LB spot.

Bilbao Fans Back in Toon

Those old enough to remember the 1994 UEFA Cup games against Bilbao will recall the tremendous reception Toon fans got in Bilbao after the first game at SJP.

After having been greeted with open arms by us Geordies when they came to Newcastle word got around in Bilbao and their fans put on a fantastic reception for the travelling Toon supporters.

Slaps on the back, cuddles and all manner of friendliness were backed up with Bilbao fans refusing to allow us Geordies to buy a drink - we came back with the same amount of dosh as we took out.

I'm sure the bond that was built up 30 years ago will still be strong in the toon today and that it will be back slaps and great banter all round again.

Match Prediction

We don't just need a win tonight to move further towards qualifying for the next CL stage.

We need a win as a tonic for the team, fans and Eddie and his coaching team after that awful performance and result at West Ham.

A draw or especially a defeat would really put a further downer on the hangover from Sunday. The Twitterati, who are already in panic baying for blood mode, would go into negative head calling overdrive.

So, I'm going for a result that will sooth their wrath and I'm putting my fiver on a 4-0 win.

Yes, 4-0. I think Bilbao will feel the full force of a frenzied, high octane, reaction to that West Ham defeat - from the lads and the SJP crowd.

Who do you think should start and what is your score prediction?

Get those fingers swirling round the keyboard and let the blog know.

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