Newcastle vs Athletic Club – UEFA Champions League Match Preview (5 Nov 2025)

Newcastle United vs Athletic Club – Match Preview (5 November 2025)

Match Details & Stakes

On Wednesday 5 November 2025, Newcastle United will host Athletic Club at St James’ Park (kick-off ~20:00 GMT) in Group H of the 2025‑26 UEFA Champions League.
Newcastle have started their European campaign positively and are keen to capitalise on home advantage, while Athletic arrive under pressure and in search of rhythm and points.

Team News

Newcastle United

The Magpies will likely deploy a 4-3-3 or similar attacking shape. Their recent European record at home has been strong. freetips.com+1
Injury/doubt list includes: Kieran Trippier (illness), Anthony Gordon (hip issue) and full‐back Tino Livramento (knee ligament). Squawka+1
Their home momentum in the Champions League gives them confidence.

Athletic Club

Athletic have been inconsistent, especially on the road: recent away form in Europe is poor. TheHardTackle.com+1
Notable absences/doubts: Iñaki Williams (adductor injury), Oihan Sancet (thigh injury), Nico Williams (fitness concerns). Squawka
They’ll likely set up more conservatively and look to hit on the break.

Key Players to Watch

Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United): The German forward has made an impact and could be trusted to lead the line in Europe. Football Tips+1
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United): The midfield conductor – his vision, passing and control are essential for Newcastle’s dominance in matches.
Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club): Having scored in recent Champions League outings, he remains a credible threat for Athletic. TheHardTackle.com
Unai Simón (Athletic Club): With the Basque club’s defensive vulnerabilities exposed this season, his performance between the sticks will be under scrutiny.

Tactical Insights & Build-up

Newcastle’s approach: Expect an aggressive home performance. Recent matches show they are capable of high shot counts, pressing early and exploiting wide areas (e.g., via Gordon, staff, full-backs). Football Tips+1
Athletic’s strategy: Under Ernesto Valverde, Athletic may opt for a 4-2-3-1 shape, prioritising structure, quick transitions and using their pace on the flanks when they can. However, their away form and defensive lapses pose obvious risks. legalbet.com+1
Key battle zones:
- Newcastle’s wide attacks vs Athletic’s defence and full-backs.
- Athletic’s attempts to exploit space behind Newcastle’s high full-backs.
- Mid-field duel: guimarães/Tonali vs Athletic’s double pivot – control here likely to steer the game.
Psychological edge: Newcastle’s home form and European momentum favour them; Athletic must handle the pressure of being the away side and constrained by injuries.

Prediction & What to Expect

Many analysts favour a Newcastle home win, with expectations of goals from both teams given Athletic’s defensive issues. freetips.com+1
Score prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Athletic Club.
- Reasoning: Newcastle get on top through sustained pressure; Athletic will fight back and score but likely not enough to prevent defeat.
What to look out for:
- Whether Newcastle score early and control tempo.
- If Athletic can strike on the break and whether they defend resolutely.
- Impact of key absences/injuries (especially for Athletic).
Betting angle: Over 2.5 goals plus a Newcastle win is a favoured scenario according to previews. freetips.com

Wrap-Up

This 5 November fixture between Newcastle United and Athletic Club has all the ingredients of a compelling Champions League showdown: home advantage, attacking firepower, defensive questions and group-stage implications. For Newcastle, it’s about reinforcing their European credentials; for Athletic, it’s an opportunity to recover form and make a statement away from home. Fans should expect intensity, drama and a likely home-victory narrative, though no stretch to imagine Athletic causing an upset or at least making things interesting.

For more UEFA Champions League see

For results from yesterday’s game visit