Newcastle United will meet Barcelona in a heavyweight Champions League fixture later this week.
It is quite the return to the Champions League stage for Newcastle United, who last played in this competition during the 2023/24 campaign.
While Eddie Howe’s side were knocked out at the group stage, they enjoyed some fine nights. Indeed, Newcastle famously thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at St James’ Park, before they were robbed of a win in the French capital by a controversial late VAR call.
Against Barca, the Newcastle United manager will be looking to build on that and deliver another famous night for the club.
With that in mind, here’s all you need to know about Barcelona.
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Barcelona’s summer signings
Hansi Flick’s side won La Liga by four points last season in a hugely impressive debut campaign from the German manager.
Still, they did not make many blockbuster signings after that. Marcus Rashford joined Barca on loan from Manchester United, which was their highest profile move.
The Catalan giants did also sign Joan Garcia from rivals Espanyol. Garcia was linked with Newcastle but ended up joining Barca, where he has since started all four La Liga games.
Barca also landed highly rated Sweden U21 international Roony Bardghji.
In terms of outgoings, experienced defender Inigo Martinez left the club to join PIF-owned Saudi Arabian giants Al-Nassr.
Barcelona’s recent form
Barca head into the game off the back of a resounding 6-0 win over Valencia.
While they drew their opening game of the La Liga season 1-1, they have since beaten Levante, Mallorca and Valencia to move two points off Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Barcelona team news vs Newcastle United
The headline team news is the fact that Lamine Yamal is a doubt for Barcelona against Newcastle.
The Spanish international missed the win over Valencia with a groin injury, which Flick feels was made worse by the fact he played so often for his country during the international break earlier this month.
Alejandro Balde and Frenkie De Jong are also doubts, while Gavi will miss the game too.
Elsewhere, goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter-Stegen isn’t fit.
Barcelona’s confirmed Champions League squad
Goalkeepers: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny.
Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen
Midfielders: Marc Casado, Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez.
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Roony Bardghji
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