Key events
Both teams make just one change to their starting line-up from the first leg at St James’ Park. Eric Garcia comes into the Barcelona defence at the expense of Ronald Araújo, while up front for Newcastle, Anthony Gordon replaces Will Osula. Araújo and Osula both drop to the bench.
The teams
Barcelona: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Gerard, Joao Cancelo, Bernal, Gonzalez, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Subs: Szczesny, Kochen, Araujo, Gavi, Torres, Rashford, Casado, Olmo, Cortes, Espart, Marques, Bardghji.
Newcastle United: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Osula, Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, Alex Murphy, Neave.
Referee: Francois Letexier (France).
Preamble
How costly will Lamine Yamal’s late, late, late equaliser in last week’s first leg prove to be? Because the thing is, Barcelona have only lost two of their 37 home matches against English clubs and are unbeaten against them in 14, ever since Craig Bellamy rocked up to play a little golf back in 2007. History isn’t Newcastle United’s friend here.
Or is it?! And that’s because Newcastle have lost only one of their last ten Champions League matches; have lost the second leg in only one of their last ten European ties, winning seven; and have won two of the three European ties in which they drew the first leg at home. Throw in Barca’s habit this season of suffering some really big off-days – beaten 4-1 by Sevilla, 3-0 by Chelsea, 4-0 by Atletico Madrid – plus Newcastle having the personnel to bother Hansi Flick’s gung-ho high line, and Eddie Howe’s men won’t be going to Camp Nou without hope. Kick-off is at 5.45pm GMT. It’s on!
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