We've taken a look at the statistically-backed strongest Newcastle United line-up in this season's Champions League.
Newcastle United return to Champions League action on Wednesday as they travel to Qarabag in the first leg of their play-off tie.
The Magpies have endured a tough season so far, but there is still plenty to be optimistic about - especially in light of beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the Premier League, and sealing progression to the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at Aston Villa. What’s more, Eddie Howe’s men have been solid on the continent, finishing 12th in the Champions League group phase on 14 points, just two adrift of direct progression to the round of 16.
Newcastle have pulled off some impressive European results, including beating Benfica, Athletic Club and PSV at home, and drawing away at defending champions PSG. But which players have been key to that continental effort? Here is Newcastle’s strongest starting line-up, based on WhoScored player ratings from their Champions League matches. Only players with 360 minutes (50%) have been considered.
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Newcastle United’s strongest XI: 2025/26 Champions League
Goalkeeper
GK: Nick Pope (7.30)
RB: Kieran Trippier (7.39)
CB: Sven Botman (6.97)
CB: Malick Thiaw (6.98)
LB: Dan Burn (7.32)
CM: Joelinton (6.95)
CM: Sandro Tonali (6.83)
CM: Bruno Guimaraes (6.70)
RW: Harvey Barnes (6.99)
ST: Nick Woltemade (6.53)
LW: Anthony Gordon (7.21)
Gordon and Barnes provide goals from the wings as defence holds firm
Newcastle’s progression to the Champions League knockout rounds was undoubtedly built on a solid defensive record. The Magpies conceded just seven goals across their eight group games, which is a record bettered only by Arsenal, who conceded four goals and have arguably the strongest backline on the planet right now.
Nick Pope was eighth among goalkeepers for saves (28), while Newcastle’s total in this metric was topped up by another six saves from Aaron Ramsdale in his one appearance against Bayer Leverkusen in December. Pope was also behind only Guglielmo Vicario (6) and David Raya (5) for clean sheets (4).
Of course, it takes a full defence to keep the opposition out, and no Newcastle defender in this team scored a lower average rating than 6.97. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman have been a solid partnership through the middle, while veterans Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn have offered steady experience amid injury problems for exciting youngsters Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. The former’s 7.39 rating is the highest in the squad, fuelled by one assist and nine chances created, while he’s second among Newcastle players for tackles (15).
The midfield trio is made up of exactly who you’d expect. However, the big shock here is Bruno Guimaraes’ 6.70 average rating, which is the second-lowest in the team. By contrast, the Brazilian has the highest rating of any Newcastle player in Premier League play at 7.20. After a solid start to life at St. James’ Park, Nick Woltemade has tailed off, and it’s hoped that his goal against Aston Villa at the weekend can spark a revival. The German has scored just one goal in the Champions League so far, and has the team’s lowest rating at 6.53. He still makes the side, of course, with Yoane Wissa managing just 84 minutes in the competition so far.
That said, Woltemade has been more than backed up by his wingers. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have six and five Champions League goals, respectively, with the former only outperformed by Erling Haaland (7), Harry Kane (8) and Kylian Mbappe (13). Gordon’s eight direct goal involvements is only bettered by Mbappe (13), while only nine players outperform Barnes (6) in this regard.
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