Newcastle United vs Athletic Club

Newcastle United head back for continental action after a 3-1 loss to West Ham at the weekend. They look to continue their impressive European form when they host Athletic Club at St James’ Park. The Magpies are in strong rhythm after back-to-back wins without conceding, including a commanding 3–0 victory over Benfica on Matchday 3. Eddie Howe’s men have rediscovered their intensity and balance, and they will fancy their chances of extending that run in front of a passionate home crowd. The two clubs have met only once before, in the 1994/95 UEFA Cup second round. Newcastle won 3–2 at home but were eliminated on away goals after a 1–0 defeat in Bilbao. Since then, the Magpies’ record against Spanish sides has been mixed. They have lost six of their last nine encounters (W3), including a 2–1 home defeat to Barcelona on Matchday 1, making it three losses in their last four against La Liga opposition. Meanwhile, the Magpies have been in excellent home form on the continental front, losing only four of their last 33 European matches at St. James’ Park (W22 D7). Anthony Gordon has emerged as one of Newcastle’s standout players. His goal against Benfica made him the first player in club history to score in three consecutive Champions League appearances. The 24-year-old could team up with Nick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy in attack when Howe deploys the 4—3—3 formation.

Athletic Club, meanwhile, are competing in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2014/15 and only their second time overall. The Basque side were European Cup quarter-finalists on their debut in 1956/57 but have struggled for consistency at this level, winning just three of their 14 Champions League proper matches (D4 L7). After a disappointing start to the campaign, including a 2–0 home defeat by Arsenal on Matchday 1, Athletic ended a four-game European losing streak with a 3–1 home victory over Qarabağ on UCL MD 3. However, their away form remains a major concern. They have failed to win any of their last five European away games (D1 L4) and boast only one victory in seven Champions League away fixtures (D1 L5)—a 3–2 triumph at Manchester United in the 2011/12 Europa League. Nevertheless, they would be keen to claim all three points when they visit St James’ Park on Wednesday. Gorka Guruzeta is poised to lead the side’s attack, with Ernesto Valverde expected to deploy a 4—2—3—1 formation.