Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Seeking an immediate Champions League response on Wednesday night, Newcastle will welcome Athletic Bilbao to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, missing out on what they would have billed as a potential opportunity over the weekend as they eventually fell to a shock 3-1 loss away at West Ham, Newcastle know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Nevertheless, last seen in Champions League action storming their way to a stellar 3-0 victory against Portuguese heavyweights Benfica, Eddie Howe’s men will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Wednesday night. Putting six points on the board from their first three European outings, the former Bournemouth boss will be excited to make a return to home soil in midweek. Last seen at St. James’ Park extending on their EFL Cup campaign thanks to a 2-0 win against Tottenham, Newcastle have won all of their previous four consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters by an aggregate score of 9-1.

Newcastle Team News

Despite missing out away at West Ham on Sunday after dealing with a recent illness, Newcastle are hopeful that Kieran Trippier will return to Howe’s squad. However, undergoing knee surgery last month, England international Velentino Livramento remains on the sidelines.

Making a real impact after completing a record-breaking summer switch from Stuttgart, Nick Woltemade will lead Newcastle’s charge here. Forced to settle for a spot on the bench in east London, Anthony Elanga could be handed a full recall at St. James’ Park.

Athletic Bilbao

As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have gained plenty of plaudits from across Spain’s elite last season as they secured a famous Champions League ticket, Ernesto Valverde’s men have failed to find any real stability this time around. Eventually falling to a 3-2 loss against arch-rivals Real Sociedad over the weekend, the former Barcelona boss could find some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Signing off September with a shock 1-0 loss at home against Getafe, Wednesday’s guests have recorded just a single win from their previous four appearances across all competitions. Failing to register consecutive victories since the end of August, Bilbao have also continued to show some real issues outside of the Basque Country. In fact, Valverde’s side have recorded just one-point from their last five showdowns away from the Estadio San Mames.

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Once again missing out against Real Sociedad on Saturday and still dealing with a recent groin issue, Bilbao are once again expected to be without skipper Inaki Williams here. Likewise, academy graduate Unai Egiluz remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

Returning to the Basque Country over the summer, former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte will start at the heart of Valverde’s defence. While Spanish international Nico Williams might have only notched a single strike so far this season, the 23-year-old will shoulder plenty of Bilbao’s attacking threat.

Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider

• Newcastle have won all of their previous four consecutive matchups at St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 9-1.
• Athletic Bilbao have registered just a single win from their last four matchups across all competitions.
• Likewise, the Lions have registered just one-point from their last five showdowns away from the Estadio San Mames.
• Bilbao have conceded 10 goals in those five consecutive away fixtures.
• England international Anthony Gordon has recorded four goals in his first three Champions League appearances.

Conclusion

Falling to a disappointing 3-1 loss away at West Ham over the weekend, Newcastle know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Last seen in Champions League action cruising their way to a 3-0 romp against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking to extend on their European flurry. Meeting an Athletic Bilbao squad who have continued to show some extended issues outside of the Basque Country, we are backing a home win at St. James’ Park.

Verdict: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet