Newcastle vs Barcelona Champions League preview: Where to watch, predicted line-ups, form, coaches' thoughts

Newcastle play host as their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Barcelona kicks off.

Where to watch the game on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.

What you need to know

For the second time this season, Newcastle welcome Barcelona to St James' Park. A trip to Tyneside on Matchday 1 saw Barcelona leave as 2-1 winners, Marcus Rashford striking twice in the second half before Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies late hope.

Newcastle, however, are purring after a 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabağ in the play-offs with Gordon's four-goal first-leg performance propelling him to second in the race for top scorer. Rashford and Fermín López will hope for a similarly prosperous start to their knockout phase campaigns after hitting five each in the league phase.

Possible line-ups

Newcastle: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Barcelona: Joan García; Eric García, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, João Cancelo; Pedri, Casadó; Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Form guide

Newcastle

Form: LWLWLW (most recent result first)
Latest: Newcastle 1-3 Man City, 07/03, FA Cup

Barcelona

Form: WWWWLL
Latest: Athletic Club 0-1 Barcelona, 07/03, Spanish Liga

Views from the camps

Eddie Howe, Newcastle coach: "[It's the biggest game in our] recent history. I think for me it is and that is the mentality we need. Rising to the occasion and embracing the size of the game has helped us. The underdog role has helped us when the odds are stacked against us and we need to use every psychological tool we can."

Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach: "Newcastle play well, they press one on one, they're quick in attack, we have to defend very well with pride and courage. Both games count. We saw that against Atlético [in the Copa del Rey]. We've talked about and analysed that match very honestly. We didn't defend as a team and as we wanted to. We've worked on our defending because it's crucial in the Champions League."

Reporter's view

Matthew Howarth, match reporter

Unbeaten in the Champions League at St James' Park since the teams' league phase meeting in September, Eddie Howe's men will fancy their chances of establishing a first-leg advantage. As ever, a fast start will be key – particularly against a side who have won their last four games in all competitions. Rashford scored a sensational strike when the teams faced each other on Matchday 1, and it may well take something special to separate them on this occasion.