FC Barcelona have [arrived at St James’ Park](https://semprebarca.com/newcastle-united-vs-fc-barcelona-match-preview-ucl/) for a huge UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United. With the first leg set to shape the tone of the tie, both sides are expected to approach the game with maximum intensity as they aim to gain an early advantage.
For Barcelona, the challenge will be to maintain composure while dealing with the physical and high-tempo style that Newcastle typically bring at home. Hansi Flick has the benefit of having a largely strong squad available for this encounter, allowing him to field a balanced lineup capable of competing both technically and physically.
Although Barça secured a positive result in their previous outing, complacency will be the last thing Flick wants from his players. Discipline, defensive focus, and efficiency in front of goal will all be vital if the Catalan side is to leave England with a favourable result.
Predicted Barcelona lineup vs Newcastle United
----------------------------------------------
**Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia**
With two clean sheets in his last two games, Joan Garcia is currently enjoying a great run of form. He has been exceptional throughout the season, and he will look to deliver a top performance in this game as well.
**Right-back: Eric Garcia**
Likely to cover for the injured Jules Kounde at right-back, Eric Garcia has proven his worth to the team time and time again. For this clash, however, he will need to be smart with his challenges and sharp with his distribution as well.
**Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi**
Always composed at the back, Pau Cubarsi adds a lot of stability to this team, and his recent performances have been exactly what the team needed. He will likely start this game as well.
**Centre-back: Gerard Martin**
Reliable and consistent, Gerard Martin has really shone in the centre-back position for Barça this season. While it might not be his natural role, he continues to perform well in it.
**Left-back: Joao Cancelo**
Despite Alejandro Balde’s injury, Barça have been covered well thanks to Joao Cancelo’s resurgence. The Portuguese full-back has delivered some solid performances recently, and Barça will need him to carry that momentum forward.
**CDM: Marc Bernal**
Providing strength, technical ability, and an advantage in winning duels in midfield, Marc Bernal is a well-rounded player and continues to improve. His presence in midfield could be a good addition for Flick’s team.
**CDM: Pedri**
In the Barça midfield, Pedri is the man pulling all the strings. He dropped a masterclass the last time he played at this exact stadium, and he will be looking to deliver more of the same this time around.
**RAM: Lamine Yamal**
The young sensation was unable to play against Newcastle United the last time Barça visited them, but he will have that opportunity this time around. Fortunately for Flick, Yamal is currently playing on another level altogether as well.
**CAM: Fermin Lopez**
Sharp and instinctively driven, Fermin Lopez can often create something out of nothing. For this game, Barcelona will likely bet on him to cause the opposition some issues.
**LAM: Raphinha**
While it is true that the Brazilian forward is not finding the back of the net as much as he would have liked to, he is still pivotal to the team’s way of playing. His intensity and pressing will be crucial for the Catalans.
**Centre-forward: Marcus Rashford**
His previous outing against Newcastle United was a thing of beauty, and Hansi Flick might want to use that to his advantage. The English winger could possibly be a good option to use against a Premier League side thanks to his pace and physicality.