Former referee Mark Clattenburg has given his prediction for Newcastle United vs Barcelona in the Champions League, exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys.
Newcastle United are back in Champions League competition for the first time in almost two years on Thursday, and it’s a massive glamour tie fitting for the occasion.
Barcelona will travel to Newcastle for what is bound to be a raucous atmosphere at St. James’ Park, as Eddie Howe’s side get their league phase campaign underway.
Newcastle earned a much-needed first win of the season on Saturday as they worked hard to defeat Wolves 1-0.
It couldn’t have been a better start for record signing Nick Woltemade, who clinched the winning goal with a fine header to dispel the memory of Alexander Isak in record time.
It wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a galvanising one at the perfect time ahead of the visit of the La Liga champions, who smashed Valencia 6-0 themselves on Sunday.
Barcelona are one of Newcastle’s pot 1 opponents and Toon fan Mark Clattenburg is expecting a very ‘difficult’ game.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick speaking at a press conference.
Photo by Javier Borrego / AFP7 via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg explains the two things Newcastle United will need to beat Barcelona
Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, retired referee Clattenburg has given his thoughts on Thursday’s blockbuster clash.
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The Newcastle supporter explained that his side will need to focus throughout the 90 minutes and have the backing of the crowd if they are to get a win.
He said: “Newcastle will find it difficult to beat a very strong Barcelona team and will need some luck and the crowd to be behind them.
“We saw some years ago how Newcastle defeated PSG and will need more of this to succeed.
“Newcastle have started this season very strong defensively and will find a lot of the match without the ball, so they need to be focused.
“I predict a Barcelona win by the odd goal.”
When pushed for a score prediction, Clattenburg replied: “2-1.”
The key battle that Newcastle need to win to beat Barcelona
Barcelona will be incredibly tough opposition for Newcastle, but the roaring crowd under the lights at St. James’ Park will give them a key advantage.
If Howe’s side are to win, then they will need to be at the top of their game across the park.
Tino Livramento will have his hands full with Raphinha, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn will have Robert Lewandowski to contend with.
However, the most important battle on the field will come right in the middle of it.
Barcelona will likely have a double pivot of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in midfield, with the talented duo tasked with dictating play and controlling the ball to maintain dominance in possession.
However, Newcastle couldn’t have a better trio of battlers to knock them off their game.
If Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton can use their skill and physicality to wrestle back control in the heart of the pitch, Newcastle would have a strong chance of getting something from the game.
They will likely have playmaker Dani Olmo to deal with as well, so it will be by no means easy, but Newcastle do have reason to be optimistic.