Raphinha, Lewandowski And Pedri To Start | 4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup Vs Newcastle United

Barcelona travel to St. James’ Park on Tuesday night for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Newcastle United, and Hansi Flick is expected to send out an attacking 4-3-3 shaped to seize the initiative on English soil. Fresh from a 1-0 league win at Athletic Bilbao, the Catalans will lean on experience and youth, with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri all pencilled in to start.

Between the posts, Joan Garcia retains his place after posting a clean sheet in his last outing. Ahead of him, the centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin will attempt to shackle Newcastle’s forward line, while full-backs Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo have been tasked with providing width without neglecting their defensive duties. Ronald Araujo offers valuable cover from the bench.

In midfield, Flick will rely on Fermin Lopez, Pedri and Marc Casado to dictate tempo and establish superiority in the centre of the park. Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal are primed to add energy and creativity after the interval if required.

The front three picks itself: Raphinha starts on the left, looking to exploit space behind the Newcastle defence; teenage sensation Lamine Yamal mirrors him on the right after scoring the winner in Bilbao; and Lewandowski leads the line, eager to open his European account for the campaign this season. Ferran Torres is the designated impact substitute should the game need late inspiration.

Kick-off at the cathedral of St. James’ is set for Tuesday night, with Barcelona aiming to return to Catalonia holding a commanding advantage.

Barcelona predicted XI (4-3-3): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha.