A crisp evening at St. James’ Park in Newcastle sets the scene as Newcastle United prepare to face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in their fourth Champions League group stage match. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 UK time, with both sides aware that points are crucial at this stage of the competition. Newcastle aim to continue their strong home form in Europe, while Bilbao arrive hoping to regain momentum and claim an important away result.
Newcastle head into the match with a few uncertainties in the squad. Kieran Trippier is a doubt due to illness, and Anthony Gordon is being monitored for a hip issue, though he could still feature. Long-term absentees like Tino Livramento remain sidelined, meaning backup options such as Harvey Barnes may be needed if rotation is required. Athletic Bilbao will be without captain Iñaki Williams due to a serious adductor injury, while Maroan Sannadi and Unai Egiluz are also unavailable because of surgery and suspension. Nico Williams is expected to start to provide attacking spark in Williams’ absence.
Tactically, Eddie Howe is likely to line Newcastle up in a 4-3-3 formation focused on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting the pace of the wings to stretch Bilbao’s defense. The Magpies will look to control possession and force Bilbao out of their defensive shape. Ernesto Valverde’s Bilbao are expected to stick to a 4-2-3-1 setup, remaining compact defensively while attempting to exploit counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities. The key battle will be whether Newcastle can sustain intensity and create space, and whether Athletic Bilbao can remain disciplined despite missing key players.
In the press, UK media have emphasized Newcastle’s home advantage and the need to capitalize on their strong crowd support, while also noting some recent domestic inconsistency. Spanish outlets focus on Bilbao’s injury issues and the challenge of facing a high-intensity home team, highlighting that the away side will need discipline and focus to compete. Commentary across both countries points to the importance of individual moments, as small mistakes could decide the outcome of a tightly contested game.
Studio analysts ahead of kick-off are highlighting several focal points: Newcastle’s defensive organization, Bilbao’s ability to create chances despite personnel gaps, and the impact of early goals on the match’s rhythm. Many predict a tense first half with both teams probing carefully, and the consensus is that this game will be shaped by tactical discipline, transitional moments, and precise execution rather than by open attacking play. Small margins are expected to determine who comes away with the crucial three points.
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Watch and Download Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, November 05, 2025. The match played at St. James’ Park, in Champions League, UEFA.
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