As reigning La Liga champions, who thrashed Valencia 6-0 in La Liga at the weekend, Barcelona will start as strong favourites on Tyneside.
However, Paris St Germain were also expected to win when they visited two seasons ago, only to be completely unsettled by the bristling intensity of a European night at St James’.
“I haven’t been here before,” said Barcelona boss Flick. “But I’ve heard from a number of my players and they’ve said it’s one of the best, if not the best, atmospheres in the Premier League.
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“I’m expecting us to come up against a strong team. They’re very dynamic, with a real intensity. They’re very good at winning the second balls. They’re a team that have improved a lot in the last few years. Eddie Howe and his coaching team have done a fantastic job.”
Flick will not be able to call on Lamine Yamal this evening, with the teenage superstar having been a notable absentee from last night’s pre-match training session at St James’. Yamal is recovering from a groin injury sustained while on international duty with Spain.
Flick can, however, select Marcus Rashford, with the England international having joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in the summer and claimed an assist in his side’s weekend demolition of Valencia.
“I’ve really followed Marcus since he started at Manchester United,” said Flick. “What kind of player he is, he’s unbelievable.
“He has speed, but also in one-against-one situations he is fantastic. And also, his finishing is unbelievable.
“What I’ve seen in the first weeks here is really encouraging but I also think there is more potential that he can show us. And he wants to do that, obviously.
“For me it’s great to have him on my team. He showed on Sunday how good he is. I hope he can show in England the same performance.”