In this preview, we see a massive European night set for St James’ Park as Newcastle United host Athletic Bilbao in a crucial UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 fixture. The Magpies are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 domestic loss to West Ham and solidify their strong position in the UCL league phase, where they sit 8th after impressive wins over Union SG and Benfica. They face a Basque side that has struggled mightily on their travels in Europe and comes into this clash 21st in the 36-team table, needing a result to keep their knockout hopes alive.
This encounter pits Newcastle’s formidable home form against a depleted Athletic side struggling with a devastating injury crisis. This match preview finds significant value in the home side’s favour, as Eddie Howe’s men have turned their stadium into a fortress. Punters looking for competitive odds on this Champions League battle can find a full market on Betano.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Based on the last five results across all competitions:
- Newcastle: LWWWL
- Athletic Bilbao: LLWDW
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Key Stats
Here are three quick stats for punters to consider:
- Goals on Tyneside: Entertainment is common for the Magpies, with seven of Newcastle’s last nine matches in all competitions featuring over 2.5 goals.
- Another Goal Merchants: Both teams have scored in 5 out of the last 7 matches Athletic Bilbao have played in all competitions.
Correct Score Prediction
Our correct score prediction is a 2-1 win for Newcastle.
While Athletic Bilbao are missing a host of key players, including the talismanic Iñaki Williams, Ernesto Valverde’s side still possesses enough quality with Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta to trouble a Newcastle defence that isn’t immune to lapses. However, Newcastle’s home strength is undeniable. The Magpies’ attack should have too much firepower for a team that has been so poor on its travels in Europe. A 2-1 result, which was the scoreline in the 2022 friendly between these two, looks like a strong possibility on Betano.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
- These two clubs have met just twice in competitive history, back in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup.
- Athletic Bilbao advanced on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw (Newcastle won 3-2 at home, Athletic won 1-0 in Spain).
- Newcastle won the most recent encounter, a 2-1 pre-season friendly at St James’ Park in July 2022.
- Athletic Bilbao have a poor record in England, winning only one of their previous ten European away games against English clubs.
Pre-game Odds
- Newcastle Win: 1.53
- Draw: 4.20
- Athletic Bilbao Win: 6.00
(Odds are subject to change)
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Team News Newcastle
Eddie Howe is sweating on the fitness of two key players. Kieran Trippier is a doubt as he looks to overcome an illness in time for the match. Star winger Anthony Gordon is also facing a late fitness test after picking up a slight injury in the loss to West Ham. The Magpies will definitely be without Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa, who remain sidelined.
Team News Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde is facing an injury nightmare. The visitors will be without their most iconic attacker, Iñaki Williams, who is out with a long-term adductor injury. The absentee list is extensive, also including Beñat Prados (ACL), Unai Egiluz (ACL), Iñigo Lekue (adductor), and Maroan Sannadi (knee). To make matters worse, starting centre-back Yeray Alvarez is unavailable due to a doping suspension.
Predicted Lineup
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Hall; Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Murphy
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Vesga, Galarreta; N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tips
Here are our top three expert picks for this Champions League showdown, all of which are available on Betano.
- Tip 1 – Result: Newcastle Win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
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