The Magpies did not play European football last term after they finished eighth in the Premier League table, but their top-four placing at the end of last season means that they sit at the continent’s top table once more.
That has earned them the right to host five-time winners Barcelona at St James’ Park this week as the first of eight league phase games.
Eddie Howe’s side also take on former Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen later on in the competition, as well as facing Benfica and Athletic Club at home.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Newcaste vs Barcelona is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday September 18, 2025.
The match will take place at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
Where to watch Newcastle vs Barcelona
TV channel: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm BST.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on Thursday evening via Standard Sport’s dedicated live match blog.
Newcastle vs Barcelona team news
Two of the Magpies’ new signings will be out for this one, with Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa both sidelined with injury.
Ramsey suffered an ankle issue in the 0-0 draw with Leeds, while Wissa, who the Toon spent £55m on from Brentford, was injured on international duty with DR Congo.
Anthony Gordon was suspended for the 1-0 victory over Wolves last time out – where debutant Nick Woltemade scored the winner – but his suspension does not count for European games and he will be back in contention off the left.
As for Barca, Raphinha was benched for the 6-0 drubbing of Valencia by manager Hansi Flick after the Brazilian was late for a team meeting.
Roony Bardghji played in his place on the right flank, but the former Leeds winger was brought on later in the game.
Lamine Yamal was the biggest absentee against Valencia, and is Flick’s main concern ahead of his trip to Tyneside.
The young star returned from international duty with a groin issue, making him a major doubt for Thursday.
Gavi and Alejandro Balde are confirmed absentees with knee and hamstring problems respectively, while there are big questions over whether Frenkie de Jong will be fit, with the Dutchman missing the game on Sunday with a muscular injury.
First-choice Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s back operation means that he will not be available for selection until later in the year at the earliest.
Newcastle vs Barcelona prediction
This is a very close one to call, and Newcastle will definitely be boosted by the uncertainty of whether Yamal and de Jong will feature.
That said, Barca do, of course, have a very strong squad regardless, and they will be the Magpies’ sternest test until Howe’s men travel to Paris to take on the holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle thrashed the Ligue 1 side 4-1 on their Champions League return back in 2023, and the St James’ atmosphere will be electric as they welcome top-tier continental football back to the north-east.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Newcastle vs Barcelona match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
