Newcastle v Athletic Club – Line-ups, stats and preview
Newcastle take on Athletic Club on Wednesday in the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here...
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Match Preview for Newcastle v Athletic Club
Both teams will be eager to respond to domestic setbacks when Newcastle host Athletic Club at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s side fell 3-1 to West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, while Ernesto Valverde’s men suffered a 3-2 defeat against Basque rivals Real Sociedad in La Liga.
After a spirited but losing effort against Barcelona on matchday one, Newcastle have since found their stride in Europe, winning their last two fixtures.
The Magpies cruised past Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Belgium and then dismantled Benfica 3-0 at home, putting them inside the top sixteen places on goal difference.
The St James’ Park fortress has long been a stronghold in Europe, Newcastle have avoided defeat in 29 of their last 33 continental home games, winning 22 of those.
Their current home form has been equally strong, with four straight wins, nine goals scored, and just one conceded.
However, away form remains a concern. The defeat at West Ham exposed lapses in intensity and defensive focus, prompting Howe to criticise his team’s lack of “dynamism,” “physicality,” and “energy.”
Bilbao also arrive looking to regain momentum. Despite showing plenty of fight in their recent derby, twice coming from behind against Real Sociedad, they were undone by Jon Gorrotxategi’s injury-time winner.
That loss extended a frustrating run for Valverde’s team, who have managed only two victories in their last 11 matches across all competitions following a promising start to the season.
One of those wins did come in Europe, a 3-1 success over Qarabag that ended their losing streak in the competition after earlier defeats to Arsenal (2-0) and Borussia Dortmund (4-1).
Team news for Newcastle v Athletic Club
Newcastle are monitoring the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who missed the weekend defeat due to illness. It remains uncertain whether the right-back will recover in time for Tuesday’s clash.
Yoane Wissa (knee), Tino Livramento (knee) and Harrison Ashby (thigh) are all sidelined, but Lewis Hall returned to the bench against West Ham and could feature. Anthony Gordon was withdrawn at half-time on Sunday due to a hip problem, putting his place in doubt, Harvey Barnes may step in if required.
For Athletic, Inaki Williams remains out long-term after sustaining an adductor injury during the victory over Qarabag.
He is not expected to play again until 2026. The visitors are also missing Maroan Sannadi (knee), Benat Prados (ACL), Unai Egiluz (ACL) and Inigo Lekue (adductor), while defender Yeray Alvarez is suspended for doping violations until February.
Valverde will rely on Nico Williams to provide spark and width on the left flank, likely at the expense of Alex Berenguer.
Expected line-ups for Newcastle v Athletic Club
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Thiaw, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes
Athletic Club: Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Rego, Jauregizar; Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Guruzeta
How to watch Newcastle v Athletic Club: TV channel, online stream
The Champions League match between Newcastle United and Athletic Club kicks off at 8:00pm on Wednesday night at St James’ Park.
In the UK, coverage will be available live on TNT Sports, with streaming options on Discovery+ and the TNT Sports app. You can also watch it on the Bet365 app.
The stats for Newcastle v Athletic Club
- Newcastle have avoided defeat in 29 of their last 33 home matches in European competition
- The Magpies are unbeaten in their last four games at St James’ Park across all competitions
- Athletic Club have failed to win any of their last five away fixtures, losing four
- The Spanish side have just one win in nine away matches against English opponents
- This will be the first meeting between the two clubs since 1994–95
Prediction
Newcastle’s poor away form contrasts with their strength at home, where they continue to look unbeatable under the lights.
Despite missing a few key players, Eddie Howe’s side should have enough quality to edge past an inconsistent Athletic team missing some key players.