Newcastle vs Barcelona Confirmed Lineups: Champions League Match Preview

Newcastle United return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, September 18, 2025, when they host Spanish giants Barcelona at St. James’ Park. This is Newcastle’s first European match in a year, and head coach Eddie Howe has gone with a solid 4-3-3 formation at home. Barcelona, under new boss Hansi Flick, line up in a 4-2-3-1 with several changes. Both teams have key players missing (see below), but fans are eager to see the official squads for the night.

• Kick-off time: 8:00pm BST (London) on Thursday, September 18, which is 12:30am IST on Friday, September 19.
• Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle.
• Live TV/Streaming: In India, the match is on Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 2, Sony Ten 2) and streaming on SonyLIV. This covers the Newcastle vs Barcelona live stream in India. (In the UK it airs on TNT Sports.)

Confirmed Starting XIs

The official starting lineups for both teams are as follows. Newcastle United set up in a 4-3-3, while Barcelona use a 4-2-3-1 shape. (Formation is approximate.)

• Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope (GK); Kieran Trippier (RB), Fabian Schär (CB), Dan Burn (CB), Tino Livramento (LB); Sandro Tonali (CM), Joelinton (CM), Bruno Guimarães (CM); Anthony Gordon (RW), Anthony Elanga (ST), Harvey Barnes (LW).
• Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García (GK); Jules Koundé (RB), Ronald Araújo (CB), Pau Cubarsí (CB), Gerard Martin (LB); Frenkie de Jong (CM), Pedri (CM); Raphinha (RW), Fermin López (AM), Marcus Rashford (LW); Robert Lewandowski (ST).

The full lineups above match the Champions League confirmed lineup announcements for today. For example, Newcastle’s official site lists *“Nick Pope is in goal, with Trippier, Schär, Burn and Livramento in defence. In midfield, Tonali anchors with Joelinton and captain Bruno Guimarães. Up front Gordon, Elanga and Barnes start”*. Barcelona’s starting XI was confirmed in reports as above, with veteran Robert Lewandowski making his first start of the season and Frenkie de Jong returning to the side.

Who’s Missing?

Both teams have notable absences due to injury or suspension:

• Newcastle: Summer signings Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey are both out. Wissa is injured on international duty (DR Congo) and Ramsey is sidelined with an ankle issue. New record signing Nick Woltemade is only on the bench, not starting. Star striker Alexander Isak (Newcastle’s marquee forward) is also missing due to a separate injury.
• Barcelona: Teenage winger Lamine Yamal (Spain) is Barcelona’s biggest absentee with a groin injury from international duty. Alejandro Balde (left-back), Gavi (midfielder) and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will not travel to Newcastle. (These players are being rested or recovering.)

In simple terms: Newcastle won’t have Wissa or Ramsey in attack or midfield. Barcelona won’t have starlet Yamal or first-choice keeper Ter Stegen, among others. These absences shape how each team lines up.

Players to Watch

Here are some key players to keep an eye on:

• Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle, Midfielder): The Brazilian skipper pulls the strings in midfield. He’s strong on the ball and often provides key passes or set-piece threats.
• Sandro Tonali (Newcastle, Midfielder): The Italian playmaker anchors the midfield and has provided a goal and assist in his first two games for Newcastle. He starts again tonight.
• Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Striker): Barcelona’s record signing leads the line. He’s making his first start of the season here, and is always a big goal threat against any team.
• Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, Midfielder): After a short injury layoff, De Jong is back in the side and partners Pedri in midfield. He will be crucial in controlling Barcelona’s play.
• Raphinha (Barcelona, Winger): The Brazilian forward starts on the right wing and scored in Valencia’s last game. He’s quick and skillful, and had been benched last match but returns here. (His return forced Bardghji out of the lineup.)
• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle, Forward): Newcastle’s English winger missed the previous game due to a Premier League suspension but starts in Europe. He has been in good form and should provide pace and creativity on the right.

These players may decide the match: Bruno and Tonali will battle the Barcelona midfield, and Lewandowski’s finishing will test Newcastle’s defence.

What to Expect

Newcastle and Barcelona both like to play attacking football, so fans can anticipate an open game under the lights. Newcastle usually play a 4-3-3 that relies on wing-play from Gordon and Barnes (with Elanga as central striker). Barcelona often dominate possession with their 4-2-3-1 shape. Barcelona’s central defenders Araújo and Koundé will have to contain Newcastle’s forwards, while Newcastle full-backs (Trippier and Livramento) might push high on the wings. Both teams will try to control the midfield – look out for duels between Bruno Guimarães and Frenkie de Jong.

Defensively, Newcastle will hope to be solid at the back, using organization and home advantage to frustrate Barcelona. Barcelona will use quick passing and individual skill (from the likes of Raphinha, Rashford, Pedri) to break through. Set pieces could also be key – Newcastle’s Dan Burn is a known threat at corners.

Overall, expect a high-energy night. Newcastle will be keen to get their season started with a win in Europe, while Barcelona will push to improve on their attack, even without some key players. It could be a close contest.

Match Details – Time and TV (India)

• Date & Time: Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 8:00pm BST (London), which is Friday 19 September at 12:30am IST.
• Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle.
• Live Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Network (channels Sony Ten 2/HD2) and the SonyLIV app. Fans searching for “Newcastle vs Barcelona live stream India” will find it on Sony’s platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who is starting for Barcelona today?
• Ans: Barcelona’s confirmed starting XI is: Joan García (GK); Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martin (defence); Frenkie de Jong, Pedri (midfield pivot); Raphinha, Fermin López (attacking midfield); Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski (attack). This 4-2-3-1 lineup includes Lewandowski up front (making his first start of the season) and De Jong in midfield.
• Who is Newcastle’s starting XI?
• Ans: Newcastle’s starters are: Nick Pope (GK); Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento (defence); Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães (midfield); Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes (attack).
• Who is missing for each team?
• Ans: Newcastle miss Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey (injuries), and Alexander Isak is out as well. Barcelona are without Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Ter Stegen.
• Where to watch Newcastle vs Barcelona live in India?
• Ans: The match is broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India and can be streamed live on the SonyLIV app. This includes both TV and online streaming options.
• What is the match time in India?
• Ans: Kick-off in India is at 12:30 AM IST on Friday, 19 September. (That’s 8:00 PM BST on Thursday, 18 September.)