Match Overview

This fourth-round fixture in the 2025/26 UEFA group stage will feature England’s Newcastle United against Spain’s Athletic Bilbao. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for November 5 at St. James’ Park. This comprehensive preview offers predictions, betting odds, and key statistics for the Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao clash.

Newcastle United Overview

Current Performance

The English club has experienced only one slip-up so far in the current season. In their opening match, playing at home, they suffered a 1-2 defeat to Barcelona. However, in the subsequent two encounters, Eddie Howe’s squad demonstrated strong performances, confidently overcoming both their rivals. They first secured an impressive 4-0 away victory against Union, followed by a commanding 3-0 win at home over Benfica. With 6 points, the team has positioned itself among the top 8, but they are closely pursued by six other teams holding the same point total, albeit with a significantly inferior goal difference.

• The club has failed to secure a victory in 5 of its last 7 tournament matches (1 draw and 4 losses).
• Exactly two or three goals were scored in 5 of Newcastle’s last 6 fixtures.
• The English side has remained undefeated in the first half in five consecutive European matches (4 wins and 1 draw).

Newcastle United Probable Lineup (4-4-2)

Team Formation

Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn – Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley, Joelinton – Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade.

Injury Report

Due to injuries, defender Valentino Livramento, midfielder Lewis Hall, and forward Yoane Wissa will be unavailable for this match.

Athletic Bilbao Overview

Current Journey

The Basque team achieved their first victory in the current group stage only in the previous round. Playing on home turf, they faced a tenacious Qarabag side and managed to defeat them 3-1. It is worth noting that the Caucasian team scored an early goal in the very first minute, but the Spaniards effectively recovered from the unexpected start to the match. Their first two tournament fixtures presented much stronger opponents, leading to defeats: 0-2 at home against Arsenal and 1-4 away against Borussia Dortmund. Currently, the Basques are positioned at a mere 21st place in the tournament standings.

 

• No more than three goals were scored in 7 of Athletic’s last 9 matches in this European competition.
• The Spanish club has failed to win in 4 of their last 5 away matches (1 draw and 3 losses).
• In their five previous away fixtures in this tournament, the Basques consistently scored exactly 1 goal.

Athletic Bilbao Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Team Formation

Unai Simón – Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivian, Andoni Gorosabel – Mikel Jauregizar, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, Álex Berenguer – Gorka Guruzeta.

Injury Report

Unavailable due to injuries: defenders Lekue and Unai Egiluz, midfielder Beñat Prados, forwards Iñaki Williams and Maroan Sannadi.

Match Referee

Official

Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)

Matches Officiated

Matches Officiated – 13 (International fixtures, 2025/26);

Yellow Cards

Yellow Cards Issued (including second yellows) – 62;

Average Yellow Cards

Average Yellow Cards Per Match – 4.8;

Red Cards

Red Cards Issued – 0;

Average Fouls

Average Fouls Per Match – 25;

Penalties Awarded

Penalties Awarded – 31%.

Match Prediction: Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao

Competitive Outlook

Both competing teams possess relatively limited experience playing in the main stage of the . Nevertheless, both sides are determined to finish at least among the top 24 teams. To achieve this, they will need to maximize their offensive capabilities. The English team has certainly been demonstrating this, having scored in all five of their previous matches in this European tournament. It is also noteworthy that only 5 other clubs have scored more goals than Newcastle in the current group stage.

Key Player Focus & Defensive Concerns

For the home team, goal-scoring contributions are particularly anticipated from Anthony Gordon, who has made history as the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive group stage matches. I also expect clinical finishing from the visiting side, who, in their last five European encounters, only failed to find the net against Arsenal. Furthermore, it’s important to highlight that both teams have shown a noticeable weakening in their defensive solidity within their respective national leagues: Newcastle has conceded in their last three Premier League matches against mid-table and lower-ranked opponents, while Athletic Bilbao has allowed goals in 8 of their last 9 La Liga fixtures.

Final Betting Tip

My prediction for this match is “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 1.95.