Today’s the day. The Champions League last 16 comes to Tyneside, as Eddie Howe’s Mags take on Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in tonight’s 8pm kick-off.
A chance to make history and show what we’re capable of when everything clicks at St James’ Park, with a big atmosphere guaranteed and an even bigger performance absolutely essential if we’re to head to the Nou Camp with an advantage next week.
The question is, which side will Howe go with? Here is our best guess…
**(4-3-3):** Ramsdale _– Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Gordon, Barnes._
**OUT:** _Botman, Willock, Woltemade, Elanga, Osula._
**IN:** _Burn, Joelinton, Ramsey, Murphy, Gordon._
We expect Ramsdale to keep his place in net after a few too many Pope clangers, while Burn looks set to come back into the defence after a partial rest on Saturday night. [Howe’s pre-match comments](https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2026/03/09/eddie-howe-on-tino-livramento-and-newcastle-injuries-ahead-of-barcelona-clash/) also suggest Livramento isn’t quite ready to start just yet, so we’re backing Trippier to retain his place.
In midfield, I’d expect to see Ramsey back from a one-game ban served over the weekend and a rested Joelinton alongside Tonali, meaning Woltemade and Willock will both drop out.
In attack, pace, energy and pressing will be key, not only to unsettle Barca’s attempts to play out, but to capitalise on their notoriously high line.
With this in mind, we’re likely to see Gordon up top and Barnes on the left, although it’s trickier to predict who’ll start on the right. Elanga’s pace is a huge weapon, but his lack of form and Murphy’s recovery from a minor neck issue leaves us edging towards the latter.
A huge night awaits. Comment below with the XI you’re backing Howe to go with a littler later on!