Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Newcastle United
For Newcastle United supporters, the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers was a major moment: it was their first victory of the season, and Nick Woltemade also scored his first goal for the club. The German was recruited as a replacement for Alexander Isak, and Yoane Wissa arrived as part of the same plan, but he is sidelined. Newcastle United have underperformed their finishing by almost two goals in the English Premier League (three goals from 4.86 xG), and their only game against top opposition, Liverpool (2:3), was marred by defensive errors.
Barcelona
The trip to England will also be a test for Barcelona, and Lamine Yamal will not be available in Newcastle due to a back problem. Already without him in the squad, Barcelona dismantled Valencia’s defence (6:0), with Fermín López and Robert Lewandowski both scoring braces. In Spanish LaLiga, Barcelona were the first to reach double figures for both goals (13) and xG (10.32), and their attack has no obvious weaknesses.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona Prediction
At this stage of the season, Newcastle United are a fair way off Barcelona’s level, and the visitors have scored seven goals across three away fixtures in the campaign. We are backing Barcelona 0 on the Asian handicap, with stakes returned if it finishes level.
