Newcastle United return to St. James’ Park on Wednesday for a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture against Athletic Club.
Eddie Howe’s side will be desperate to bounce back from a demoralising 3-1 league defeat to West Ham United on Sunday. However, their European form has been a bright spot this season. Tonight, the Magpies face a Spanish side that is also struggling. In fact, Athletic Club arrive in England having lost their last two matches. They are also carrying significant injury concerns.
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 5 November 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 pm GMT
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Ivan Kružliak
- VAR: Fedayi San
- Last Meeting: Newcastle 2-1 Athletic Club, 30 July 2022, (Club friendly)
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is grappling with several new fitness concerns as he prepares to host Athletic Club. Captain Bruno Guimarães and key winger Anthony Gordon are both major doubts for the match due to illness and a hip injury, respectively. There is better news for Kieran Trippier, who has returned to training after his own bout of illness, but he still requires a late assessment. Newcastle remain without long-term absentees Yoane Wissa (knee) and Tino Livramento (knee).
Athletic Club
Athletic Club are grappling with a major injury crisis and will be without at least five key players at St. James’ Park. Attackers Iñaki Williams (adductor) and Nico Williams (groin) are both ruled out. They are joined by Oihan Sancet (hamstring) and Yuri Berchiche (calf), who were left out of the travelling squad, as well as long-term absentee Beñat Prados (cruciate ligament).
Form Guide
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s strong European form contrasts sharply with their recent domestic results. For instance, the 3-1 league loss at West Ham was a significant setback. In the Champions League, however, they have been impressive, sitting 8th in the league table. They recorded back-to-back home wins over Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica, scoring seven unanswered goals in those matches.
Athletic Club
Athletic Club sit 21st in the league stage table with just three points. After losing their opening two matches to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, they secured their first victory on matchday three against Qarabağ. However, their domestic form is poor. They arrive in England having lost their most recent league match 3-2 away to rivals Real Sociedad.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Thiaw, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes
Athletic Club predicted XI: Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Rego, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Guruzeta, Navarro
How to watch Newcastle United vs Athletic Club?
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 7:00 pm GMT.
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