Barcelona vs Newcastle Prediction: Who will Win Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Match Today?

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Barcelona host Newcastle United at Camp Nou, Barcelona in a decisive round of 16 second leg on Wednesday, March 18, following a 1-1 first-leg draw at St James' Park last week.

Spanish giants have reclaimed their identity as a high-pressing, relentless offensive unit. Currently leading the La Liga standings, Barcelona are looking to translate their domestic dominance into European silverware. Newcastle United, dealing with domestic inconsistencies, are looking to make a massive statement in Europe.

Barcelona vs Newcastle Team News and Injury Updates

Barcelona: The Catalan giants will rely on the youthful brilliance of Lamine Yamal and the experience of Raphinha. Pedri is fit to anchor the midfield. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are sidelined through injury. Frenkie De Jong is also not available, with his return expected in March. Andreas Christensen continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

Newcastle United: Fabian Schar (ankle), Emil Krafth (knee), and the midfield duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley are out with thigh injuries and remain sidelined.

Consequently, the defensive burden falls on the partnership of Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn. A major boost comes in the form of Anthony Gordon, who missed the start of the first leg through illness but returned to score the winner against Chelsea.

Barcelona vs Newcastle Predicted Lineups

Barcelona: J. Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Newcastle United: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Barcelona vs Newcastle Match Prediction

While Newcastle will undoubtedly show more enthusiasm than they did in the first leg as Anthony Gordon is back but the technical gulf in the middle of the park is likely to be the deciding factor. Barcelona's ability to retain possession under pressure will force Newcastle to do a significant amount of defensive running, which could lead to late-game fatigue for the Magpies.

Expect Newcastle to throw men forward in the final 20 minutes, leaving them vulnerable to the counter-attacking brilliance of Yamal and Lewandowski. Barca's defensive pair of Araujo and Cubarsi has been exceptional at reading the game, and they should be able to neutralize Gordon for the majority of the night.

Final Score Prediction: Barcelona 3 - 1 Newcastle United (Barcelona progress 4-2 on aggregate).