Newcastle United did not have the best of weekends in the Premier League after a surprise loss away at home to a struggling West Ham United. Eddie Howe came in for criticism following his substitutions at half-time, but the changes might have been made with one eye on Newcastle United’s UEFA Champions League tie with Athletic Club in midweek.
The Magpies ended up losing 3-1 to the Hammers, and they will hope to shine on the European stage. Currently, Newcastle United occupy the final top-eight spot, and are in danger of losing out on that place if others behind them win and they fail to collect points on Wednesday.
Hence, the St. James’ Park crowd needs a big win in midweek, as Howe will want his side to march towards a top-eight finish, which currently is in their own hands. They face a tricky opposition in Athletic Club, who have been below par this season, but certainly are unpredictable.
Athletic Club were also undone at the weekend in the Basque derby, as Real Sociedad’s Jon Gorrotxategi’s 92nd-minute winner proved the difference. Ernesto Valverde’s side fought back from a goal down on two occasions in the derby, but they were ultimately left without anything at the end of the final whistle.
Now, with the focus shifting to the Champions League, Valverde would demand improvements in their performances, having picked up just a single win from their three games so far. Losses against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, albeit those being tough games, have left them languishing in 21st spot, as they could be in danger of falling out of the top 24 places.
Hence, Athletic Club must at least consolidate a top 24 place to keep their continental hopes alive. The quality of their squad does provide optimism going forward, but a big win away at Newcastle United would be a good place to begin a resurgent run to aid their cause across all fronts.
Newcastle United’s injury woes increased following the withdrawal of key man Anthony Gordon at half-time, with a hip issue being reported that casts doubts over the winger’s participation in midweek. There are also doubts over Kieran Trippier, who has an illness, with the defender a 50/50 for the Athletic Club clash on Wednesday.
The Magpies are already missing Yoane Wissa, Valentino Livramento, and Harrison Ashby with fitness issues, although Lewis Hall could be back in the squad following a period out with a hamstring issue.
Eddie Howe is likely to name a familiar squad, his strongest possible for this fixture, although we could see Harvey Barnes come in for Gordon if the latter does not turn up fit for this clash. Jacob Murphy could retain his place on the right wing despite the availability of Anthony Elanga, while Woltemade is likely to resume his place in the centre-forward role.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Barnes
Ernesto Valverde also has his share of injury woes, as key man Inaki Williams may not play until 2026 with a serious abductor injury suffered in the previous Champions League game with Qarabag.
Unai Egiluz and Benat Prados are the other absentees, although the manager does have a strong set of players to name in his lineup despite the few absences. The major positive news is the availability of Nico Williams, with the winger now raring to go on the big stage and make his mark.
Aitor Paredes and Aymeric Laporte will marshal the central defensive areas, with Alejandro Rego and Mikel Jauregizar in the central midfield zones. Oihan Sancet will be preferred in the attacking midfield role, with Nico Williams on the left and Robert Navarro on the right. Finally, Gorka Guruzeta will lead the line for Athletic Club against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Rego, Jauregizar; N. Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Guruzeta
The German striker has had a modest start to life at St. James’ Park since his big move from VfB Stuttgart in the summer, but there is plenty of scope to improve. Woltemade has been a good addition, especially for the Champions League, and Eddie Howe will need him to fire in this upcoming game at home.
Woltemade may have additional responsibilities in the attack, especially if Anthony Gordon misses out, as Newcastle United must win this encounter against Athletic Club. Hence, this game might be the right time for the German international to step up and show his worth to help keep the Magpies in a safe position about the top-eight race.
Athletic Club are not in the best of form, having won just two games from their last eleven across all competitions, and none in their last five away trips. Ernesto Valverde’s side are already under tremendous pressure to register a big win, although this game might not be it for them.
Newcastle United may not be in the best of form domestically, but they are flying in Europe at the moment, which could be in their favour. While they are not averse to keeping a tight lid at the back, Athletic Club’s quality players could hurt them, although the Magpies are well-equipped to get three points on Wednesday.
