Newcastle United welcome Athletic Bilbao to St James’ Park in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. With kick-off set for 8:00pm, Newcastle’s strong start in Europe and attacking firepower will test an Athletic defence that has already leaked seven goals in just three matches. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Burn to commit 2+ fouls | 19/20 @ BetMGM (51.3%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Since making the switch to left-back from centre-back, there has been a drastic increase in the number of fouls that Dan Burn has been committing. Looking back at his recent totals, he has given away 2+ in all of his last six Premier League matches with figures of: 2,3,2,2,2,3,2. |
| Jacob Murphy Anytime Assist | 3/1 @ BetMGM (25.0%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Jacob Murphy has provided an assist in three of his five UEFA Champions League appearances, averaging an assist every 59 minutes in the competition – Bukayo Saka (4) and Aaron Lennon (3) are the only other English players to register at least three assists through their first five appearances in the competition. |
Our approach: Start with Newcastle to win and combine with BTTS No for accumulator potential.
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Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao
After a brave but fruitless opener against Barcelona, Newcastle have hit their stride in Europe, winning their last two games with seven goals scored and none conceded. Eddie Howe’s side crushed Union SG 4-0 in Belgium and beat Benfica 3-0, moving into the last-16 spots on goal difference. The Magpies boast an impressive home record, unbeaten in 29 of their last 33 European matches at St James’ Park, and have won their last four there this season, scoring nine and conceding just once. However, their away form remains a concern after a poor 2-0 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
Athletic Bilbao’s struggles continued with a 3-2 derby defeat to Real Sociedad, where they twice came from behind before conceding a stoppage-time winner. The loss extended a poor run for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who started the season with three straight wins but have since managed just two victories in their last 11 games across all competitions. One of those came in the Champions League, a 3-1 win over Qarabag that lifted them to 21st after earlier defeats to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle are sweating on Kieran Trippier’s fitness after illness kept him out of the West Ham defeat. Yoane Wissa, Tino Livramento, and Harrison Ashby remain sidelined, while Lewis Hall returned to the squad but didn’t feature. Anthony Gordon is also a doubt with a hip problem, meaning Harvey Barnes could start on the left.
Athletic Bilbao team news
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are without Inaki Williams, who suffered a serious adductor injury against Qarabag and is out until 2026. Yeray Alvarez is suspended until February, and Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, and Inigo Lekue are all injured. Nico Williams is fit and should replace Alex Berenguer in attack.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date.
Newcastle have made an impressive start, sitting 8th with two wins and a +6 goal difference. Athletic Club are currently 21st, struggling to keep pace after conceding seven in three games. Here’s how they stack up:
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 6 |
| Athletic Club | 21 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | -3 | 3 |
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
There are no previous competitive meetings between Newcastle United and Athletic Club in recent seasons. This encounter will set a new precedent in their continental rivalry.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | No previous meetings | – |
Conclusion
Will Newcastle United’s ruthless attack break down an Athletic Club side that has shown flashes but remains unconvincing in both boxes? Our best bets both come with BetMGM from the player props markets, where we have taken a lean towards Dan Burn on a bet has landed in his last six Premier League matches.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
