Newcastle's Champions League campaigns gets under way next week when Spanish giants Barca head to Tyneside
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal is heading to Newcastle next week
Barcelona stars including Lamine Yamal have been warned they are in for something of a shock when they take on Newcastle United in next week's Champions League opener.
The Catalan giants head to Tyneside for the first match of this season's group stage as United return to European competition. The new format sees eight league games in total, with Newcastle also scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain, PSV, Marseille, Benfica, Athletic Bilbao, Union SG and Bayer Leverkusen.
It's a tough opening fixture for Eddie Howe's side, but a sold-out St James' Park will be rocking next Thursday night to greet the La Liga outfit, with memories of the famous 3-2 victory over Barca in 1997 and that 4-1 success over PSG two years ago, coming to mind.
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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has an array of talent available to him, including Spanish football's hottest property in Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old has taken the game by storm, and already has two goals and three assists in Barca's three La Liga games this season.
He will be one of the many dangermen United will have to watch next week, but former Newcastle and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann feels he could be in for a shock when he walks out at St James'.
Hamann, who played 31 times for United in one season on Tyneside before joining Liverpool in 1998, has backed his old side to get their Champions League campaing off to a positive start.
“Lamine Yamal will be in for a shock when he goes to St James' Park," Hamann told CoinPoker. "Last season, Barcelona didn't play an English team because PSG took all the English teams out.
“I think there's every chance for Newcastle to get something out of the game, and obviously, the way Barcelona defend – they defend at the halfway line with the quick players Newcastle have now – I think there's every chance to get something out of the game or even win it.
“The atmosphere will be electric. Champions League nights at St James' are always something else. Can't wait for this one.”
Newcastle first face Wolves on Saturday as the Premier League action resumes after the international break, with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade in line for a debut.
Barcelona continue their La Liga schedule when they host Valencia on Sunday evening, kick-off 8pm.