Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao kick-off, date & TV info
Date Wednesday, November5
Kick-off 8pm
Venue St James’ Park, Newcastle
Competition Champions League
TV TNT Sports 2
Newcastle were below their best in Sunday’s 3-1 loss at West Ham but they will be aiming for a third straight Champions League win when taking on Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.
The Magpies were 3-0 winners at home to Benfica on matchday three and their six-point tally is three superior to Bilbao, who got off the mark with last month’s 3-1 victory at home to Qarabag.
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Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao betting tips & predictions
Best bet
Newcastle and under 3.5 goals
1pt 5-4 Coral, Ladbrokes
Player cards
Dan Burn to be carded
10-3 bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes
Longshot
Newcastle to win 2-0
6-1 general
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao preview
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe accused his side of lacking physicality and energy in Sunday’s dismal 3-1 defeat at West Ham.
The Magpies’ sloppy showing at the London Stadium was a surprise as it came only four days after they had produced a vibrant and disciplined showing to beat Tottenham 2-0 in the EFL Cup.
However, the occasional dip in performance is perhaps understandable with Newcastle navigating a hectic run of seven matches in 23 days between the October and November international breaks.
The Toon have followed up their previous two losses against Arsenal and Brighton with a win, and another strong response can be expected from Howe’s side on an important European night.
The Magpies have taken six points from their three Champions League games and will be anxious to increase their tally before upcoming trips to Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen. With that in mind, a home date with Athletic Bilbao looks an excellent opportunity to do so.
Ernesto Valverde’s visitors have won just two of their last 11 games and arrive on Tyneside seeking their first away win since the end of August.
Persistent injuries haven’t helped the Basque outfit and seeing Inaki Williams hobble off during their 3-1 win over Qarabag on matchday three was another blow for Valverde.
William’s younger brother, Nico, is available after an injury-interrupted opening to the season, but the Spanish star hasn’t found the net since scoring a penalty in the 3-2 home win over Sevilla in Bilbao’s first La Liga game of 2025-26.
The visitors have scored just 11 goals in as many league games but Bilbao did demonstrate a touch more attacking spark in a 3-2 loss at to Basque rivals Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Nevertheless, no Bilbao player has scored more than twice in la Liga this term and their lack of a clinical edge should play into the hands of Newcastle.
Burn booking looks overdue
Dan Burn has gone four games without a booking – his longest stretch of the season – but he enjoys the physical side of the game and looks a probable card candidate against Bilbao.
The 33-year-old can be ponderous at times and may be targeted by the Basque visitors, who have plenty of pace in wide areas.
Basque visitors could be brushed aside
Newcastle have had a sticky start to the season but they are on a decent run at St James’ Park and can see off Bilbao without conceding.
Howe will be desperate for a response after Sunday’s loss at West Ham and his team can edge aside out-of-sorts Bilbao, who have sustained back-to-back defeats.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao Bet Builder
Bruno Guimaraes over 1.5 fouls
The combative Brazilian is used to playing on the edge and looks a solid wager to be penalised on more than one occasion.
Sandro Tonali over 0.5 shots on target
Tonali has license to join Newcastle’s forward raids and could test the reflexes of Bilbao keeper Unai Simon.
Jacob Murphy anytime goalscorer
The reliable winger scored a superb goal against West Ham at the weekend and can stay on the scoring trail.
Pays out at 9-1 with Paddy Power
Key stats for Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao
♦ Newcastle have won their last four home matches
♦ Seven of Newcastle’s last eight home games have featured less than four goals
♦ Athletic Bilbao have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 fixtures
♦ Bilbao have lost four of their last five away games
♦ Bilbao have conceded the first goal in each of their last three matches
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao betting odds
Sign up with Paddy Power to bet on Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League. Here are the latest odds for Wednesday’s match.
MarketOddsNewcastle1-2
Athletic Bilbao11-2Draw16-5
Odds correct at time of publishing
Want more top football betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport’s tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao team news and predicted line-ups
Newcastle
Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon need to be assessed and Yoane Wissa, Tino Livramento and Harrison Ashby are out.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Subs: Krafth, Barnes, Schar, Ramsey, Osula, Elanga, Willock.
Athletic Bilbao
Inaki Williams was injured last month and will not feature again until 2026. Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz and Inigo Lekue are also on the absentee list.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche; Rego, Jauregizar; N Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
Subs: Navarro, Areso, Inigo Ruiz, Vesga, Vivian, Gomez, Serrano.
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FAQs for Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao
When is Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League?
The match kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, November 5.
Where is Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao being played?
The fixture is taking place at St James’ Park in Newcastle, England.
Where can I watch Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
The match is being screened live on TNT Sports 2.
What is the match betting for Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
Newcastle are the 1-2 favourites while Athletic Bilbao are a 11-2 chance. The draw is available to back at 16-5.
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