Predicted Lineups: Newcastle United vs. Barcelona – Robert Lewandowski Set for Return

This evening, Newcastle United will welcome Barcelona to St. James' Park for the initial leg of their Champions League Round of 16 encounter, kicking off at 21:00 CEST. The second leg is scheduled for next Wednesday at Camp Nou. Both clubs are currently dealing with significant player absences due to injuries.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a defensive challenge, with Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi all unavailable, severely limiting his choices in the backline. To compensate for these gaps, Barcelona has called up youth talents Xavi Espart (right-back), Alvaro Cortes (defender), and Tommy Marques (midfielder). Newcastle's Eddie Howe also has his own injury concerns, with Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth, and Fabian Schar sidelined. Adding to the tension, six players are on the verge of suspension if they receive another yellow card: Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, and Gerard Martin for Barcelona, alongside Newcastle's Joelinton and Dan Burn.

Hansi Flick's Tactical Decisions: Attack and Defense

Both MD and Sport predict the return of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona's starting lineup, likely displacing Ferran Torres. However, there's a debate surrounding the defensive setup. While MD suggests Flick will maintain the back four that secured a 1-0 victory against Athletic Club in Bilbao, Sport anticipates Ronald Araujo replacing Joao Cancelo.

Eric Garcia is widely expected to retain his position at right-back. Sport, however, speculates that if Araujo starts, Gerard Martin might shift to left-back, indicating a more cautious defensive approach. Flick also confirmed that Marc Bernal has recovered from illness, with Pedri and Fermin Lopez poised to start in midfield.

Newcastle United's Potent Attack

Eddie Howe's starting eleven for Newcastle seems more settled. He is anticipated to deploy a rapid attacking trio featuring Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes. With Guimaraes absent, Jacob Ramsey will likely join Sandro Tonali in the midfield. Furthermore, former teammate Kieran Trippier will be assigned the challenging task of containing Barcelona's Raphinha.