As St James’ Park prepares for our opening game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, it’s time to predict which 11 Eddie Howe will go with against Barcelona tonight.
After Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolves, Nick Woltemade’s debut goal, a trademark Jacob Murphy assist and another clean sheet for our back line, it’ll be interesting to see if the boss mixes it up against Hansi Flick’s free-scoring Barcelona.
Here is the XI we think Howe will go with and why for tonight’s 8pm kick-off.
Predicted line-up
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(4-3-3): _Pope – Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon._
Two changes, seeing Anthony Gordon replace a below-par Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga come in down the right side, meaning Jacob Murphy (slightly unfortunately) drops to the bench, although we would not be shocked if Nick Woltemade drops to the bench and Gordon starts in a false nine role.
The right wing position is a tough call, as Murphy doesn’t deserve to be ‘dropped’, but we just feel Elanga’s pace and freshness could be a huge weapon against Barca’s high line, which is exactly why Gordon feels nailed on to start.
Woltemade’s hour on Saturday should stand him in good stead, so we hope big Nick can start again, offering that link between midfield and attack which could draw out Barca’s centre-backs and help our wide men burst in behind.
In defence, I do wonder if Kieran Trippier will start again. He’s 34 now and was poor on Saturday, but will Howe really throw Lewis Hall in for his first start in six months against Barcelona? I doubt it, especially when we may be banking on Trippier’s leadership, know-how and big-game experience to shine through here.
How do you see us lining up tonight? Let us know in the comments below…