Newcastle United have the opportunity to move on from Sunday’s horror show against West Ham under the lights in the Champions League. No matter how frustrating or disappointing our league form has been this season, these are special nights to savour and in Athletic Bilbao, Newcastle United meet an opponent not only similarly struggling in La Liga but are beset by injuries to key players.
Athletic Bilbao are a club with whom we share a special bond, dating back to 1994 when the two clubs met in the UEFA Cup. However, friendship counts for nothing as both sides will be eager to get more points in the board to not only improve our chances of qualifying for the next stage of the competition, but also provide brief respite from our respective disappointments in our domestic leagues.
Recent form
Despite disappointing last time out away to West Ham, Newcastle United remain in fine form at home, having won 6, drawn none, losing only to Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona at St James’ Park this season. While our league form is stuttering, the lads have made a good start in the Champions League, winning 2 of our opening 3 matches, scoring 10 goals in the process. A win tonight would put the lads in fine stead ahead of a tough away fixture to Marseille at the end of the month.
Athletic Bilbao are on a dreadful run of form, despite starting their season with 3 straight league wins, they have won only 1 of their next 8 league games, losing 5 and drawing 3. They have not fared much better in the Champions League either, losing to both Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal before picking up a much needed win against Qarabag last time out.
Team news
- Eddie Howe claims Anthony Gordon was nursing a hip injury naming this as the reason why he was subbed at half-time on Sunday. Whether true or not, expect Gordon to be riding the bench tonight.
- Kieran Trippier has recovered from an illness and is expected to retake his place at right-back ahead of Emil Krafth, another half-time sacrifice at West Ham, who deputised on Sunday.
- Worryingly, the illness that has affected Tonali and Trippier in recent weeks, appears to have now affected Bruno, who missed training yesterday.
- Lewis Hall is back in full training and will likely take his place on the bench.
- Yoane Wissa is still out with a knee injury sustained in September but is nearing a return.
- Will Osula is still nursing an ongoing ankle injury that is requiring careful management.
- Tino Livramento remains out with a knee injury.
Predicted XI
What did Eddie say?
On team selection:
“Difficult team to pick off the back of Sunday. You could make wholesale changes or you can give the team another chance to deliver. I am 99% of the way there with my team selection
On Athletic Bilbao:
“The Williams brothers are outstanding players and we are well aware they have injured players but we still expect a very good team, a very strong manager and it is the Champions League and we know we are expecting a very strong opposition.”
On replacing Woltemade and Gordon at half-time:
“With Nick we have thrust him into every single game near enough and he looked a little bit fatigued so it was a decision to benefit Nick and the team going forward.
With Anthony, he has played very well in the Champions League but he hasn’t played quite as well in the Premier League and that is now his challenge.”
On Ramsdale:
“Aaron’s been really pleased with his progression here but Nick has performed consistently well and our defensive record has been pretty strong this year.”
On West Ham loss:
“It feels like we’ve had a lot of time since. Whenever you delvier a performance like that, there are a number of factors to reflect on. But the focus very quickly turns to the next game with Europe. We have looked at it hard but now we have to move on. It’s never a nice thing but we have digested it and make sure the performance is better.”
On NUFC inconsistency:
“We are right in the midst of a run of games that are hugely enjoyable and hugely challenging. We are hugely disappointed with our inconsistency in the Premier League. Results wise our recent run has been pretty strong but because we have so many competitions we haven’t strung them together in the Premier League.”
Key battles
- Woltemade vs Laporte: We didn’t get Woltemade into the game on Sunday. We’ll need to rectify that tonight. Tasked with doing a job on him will be former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. While getting on in years, he is a high-quality defender, proficient on the ball, an imposing physical presence, and someone used to these high-pressure occasions.
- Midfield battle: While missing some key players, in Mikel Jauregizar, Athletic Bilbao have a genuine talent, capable of springing the counterattack and posing a goal threat if we do not martial him correctly. Tonali and Bruno should have too much quality, and energy, particularly if the ageing Ruíz de Galarreta is starting.
- Patience…and pace: Athletic Bilbao are missing their main attacking outlets with the news that Nico Williams has not travelled with the squad and his brother Inaki now expected to return from injury until 2026. Expect them to sit back and try to frustrate. Patience will be key as we expect to face a low-block, but so too will be moving the ball at pace to disrupt their defensive patterns.
Prediction and what to expect
Prediction: Newcastle United 3 – 0 Athletic Bilbao
Howe’s men will be keen to put Sunday’s performance behind them, and what better way to do that than to put in a strong performance under the lights in the Champions League. Not only are Bilbao in terrible form, but they are also missing their key players who could pose a threat. Expecting a comfortable victory to quell some grumbling fans.
