Newcastle vs Ath Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips (5 November)

Newcastle are not among the outsiders to win the Champions League but do have the weapons to achieve a good performance. The Magpies also got off to a good start in this regular phase. Beaten undeservedly by Barcelona on the first day 1-2, they then scored two convincing victories at Union Saint-Gilloise 0-4 and against Benfica 3-0. On the national scene, Newcastle is blowing hot and cold at the start of the season. Bruno Guimaraes' teammates are currently 12th in the Premier League and are 5 points behind the Big 4. After losing to Brighton 2-1 and dominating Fulham at home 2-1, they traveled to poorly ranked West Ham last weekend. Returning to the Champions League after a long absence, Athletic Club had a hard time getting up to speed during the first two days.

Indeed, opposed to prestigious opponents, the Basques started the competition with losses against Arsenal 0-2 and Dortmund 4-1. Fortunately, they showed a great reaction by dominating Qarabag at home 3-1, who had surprised observers by winning their first two matches. In the league, Bilbao got off to a very good start before falling into line. Ernesto Valverde's men have only won once in 7 matches, with 2 draws and 4 defeats. After losing at home to Getafe 0-1, they traveled to Real Sociedad last weekend. Athletic Bilbao now occupies 9th place in La Liga with 14 points taken in 10 games. 

The Newcastle coach still cannot count on the full-backs Livramento and Hall, the striker injured since his arrival at the club Wissa and the young Ashby, all injured. Furthermore, replacement defender Lascelles was not included on the list to play in the Champions League. Scorer in the last Champions League match, winger Gordon (4 goals in C1) is expected in the starting 11 this Wednesday. This is also the case of German striker Woltemade (4 goals in PL, 1 goal in C1) or even executive midfielders Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes (3 goals in PL). Author of a double coming off the bench against Benfica, Barnes (3 goals in C1) could still be a replacement. On the Bilbao side, we must mention the package of the experienced full-back Lekue. Furthermore, midfielders Prados and Eguiluz, who suffered a serious injury, were not included on the list to play in the Champions League.

Defender Yeray is also in this case due to his suspension for doping. For this meeting, the participation of captain Inaki Williams and replacement striker Sannadi is not assured. Up front, we should find Guruzeta (3 goals in C1), who stood out with a double against Qarabag. Staying at the club to compete in the C1 with his training club, Nico Williams (1 goal in La Liga) is there as is playmaker Sancet (1 goal in La Liga). We also find the other Spanish internationals Unai Simon, Vivian and Laporte.