Here you'll find football corners betting tips from our expert football analyst, Liam Johnson. All of the corner predictions published here on WhichBookie are 100% free.
Newcastle United FC
v FC Barcelona
St James' Park
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE
18-09-2025 19:00
Newcastle Form
Barça Form
Date: 18/09/25
Kick-off time: 20:00 UK
Venue: St. James’ Park
Champions League nights are back at St. James’ Park, and this one feels massive. Newcastle open their 2025/26 campaign against Barcelona, a European giant with history, trophies, and some serious firepower.
For the Magpies, it’s a chance to prove they belong at this level again. For Barcelona, it’s about showing they’re still one of the most feared sides in the world. Can Newcastle pull off something special under the lights? Let’s take a look.
Newcastle will be desperate to start strong, but they’re not at full strength. Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool leaves a big hole up front. New strikers Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade are pushing for starts, while Joelinton is racing against time to be fit. The midfield still looks solid, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Jacob Ramsey likely to anchor things. In defence, Trippier’s leadership and Schar’s stability are going to be crucial.
Barcelona also have their injury problems. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen misses out, and Alejandro Balde is unavailable. Gavi remains a doubt, which could hand more responsibility to Pedri in midfield. Up front, expect to see Lamine Yamal buzzing on the wing, Raphinha stretching the play, and Robert Lewandowski leading the line. Marcus Rashford, a summer signing, should also play a role – and that’s a scary prospect for Newcastle’s back four.
Likely Lineups
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Gordon, Wissa, Almiron
Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Cancelo; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Here’s what I think… this game won’t be a high-scoring thriller. Both teams are strongest in midfield, and neither will want to take big risks early on.
Still, Barcelona’s attack is loaded with talent. Yamal’s dribbling, Raphinha’s pace, and Lewandowski’s finishing always mean goals are possible. On the flip side, Newcastle at home are a different beast. Last season in the Premier League, they won 12 of their 19 home matches, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 20. St. James’ Park is a fortress.
A few betting angles worth looking at:
I can see this one being tight. Newcastle will play with energy, the crowd will be buzzing, and Barcelona will take time to settle in the colder, wetter conditions of the North East.
Barca’s quality is obvious, but their away form in Europe hasn’t been great recently. Newcastle, on the other hand, rise to big occasions – just ask PSG, who were hammered 4-1 here two years ago.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
If you’re looking at scorelines, 1-1 is the safe shout. Newcastle won’t be easy to break down, and Barcelona will always create something with their front line. If you fancy an upset, 2-1 Newcastle at home is tempting – especially if the new strikers hit the ground running.
Correct Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona. Bet with bet365.
The stats suggest goals are usually on the menu when Barcelona play away – they’ve seen both teams score and over 2.5 in 7 of their last 8 away Champions League games. Newcastle, meanwhile, have had both teams score in 5 of their last 8 home matches in Europe.
That said, I think this one plays a little differently. The stakes are high, the conditions tough, and both teams know the group stage is a marathon.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a Bet Builder combo that fits how I see this match going:
That’s your “tight but entertaining” special.
Bet Builder Tip: Both teams to score, Under 3.5 Goals, Lamine Yamal anytime assist, Bruno Guimaraes 1+ shot on target. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
18+. New customers only. Min deposit £20. Max One £10 Free Bet & two £5 Bet Builder Free Bets.. Qualifying Bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater. Paid as bonus tokens with Min 4/5 (1.80) odds req. Token 2& 3 are valid for Bet Builder only and are subject to min odds of 2/1 (3.00) T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org #ad
Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Barcelona are slight favourites with the bookies, but Newcastle at home are dangerous. A draw looks most likely.
1-1 is the sensible pick, though 2-1 Newcastle wouldn’t shock anyone.
The match is at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Unlikely. Under 2.5 goals looks like the safest bet given both teams’ styles.