Newcastle predicted XI vs Barcelona: Sandro Tonali returns in five changes

Sandro Tonali has recovered from illness and looks set to return to Newcastle United‘s starting eleven to face Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Newcastle thought they were set to take an advantage into the second leg in Spain after Harvey Barnes’ 86th-minute opener at St James’ Park last week.

Malick Thiaw’s foul on Dani Olmo then handed Lamine Yamal the chance to level from the penalty spot in added-time, which he unsurprisingly took with aplomb.

Eddie Howe’s side followed the draw up with a vital 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Saturday as Anthony Gordon netted following a quick counter-attack.

Camp Nou will host Newcastle’s next match this week, and Football Insider have predicted the starting eleven that Howe could put out in this huge UCL clash.

Newcastle’s predicted starting eleven vs Barcelona

Aaron Ramsdale looks to be Newcastle’s new number one ahead of Nick Pope, and will expect to retain the gloves for a fifth game in a row here.

The Magpies’ trip to Chelsea saw Tino Livramento return from injury to start at right-back, but the experience and nous of Kieran Trippier could be preferred from the off against Barca.

Dan Burn kept Robert Lewandowski quiet last week and so should return to the backline ahead of Sven Botman, with Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall set to keep their places at centre-back and left-back respectively.

Illness ruled key midfielder Tonali out of the Chelsea clash, but he should come back into the fold here, with Joelinton and the in-form Jacob Ramsey alongside him.

Barnes’ goal could mean he keeps his place on the left flank, with Anthony Elanga potentially reinstated on the right as Newcastle look to get beyond the hosts’ high line.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are both out of sorts in front of goal, and so the UCL’s second top-scorer this season, Anthony Gordon, should lead the line.

How to watch Barcelona vs Newcastle this week

Football Insider have revealed that Newcastle are set to lose £24million in prize money after this season, so it is imperative that they go as far as they can in the Champions League.

Newcastle fans wanting to watch from home must be aware that, instead of a usual 8pm kick-off, their second leg tie at Camp Nou starts at 5:45pm on Wednesday, 18 March.

Viewers in the UK can catch the action on TNT Sports 2 and discovery +, with live coverage starting from 5pm.

Highlights from every Champions League midweek game will be on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app on Wednesday from 10:40pm onwards.

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