NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United (27) celebrates after Harvey Barnes (not seen) scored Newcastle's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Newcastle United FC and SL Benfica at St James' Park on October 21, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United aims to rebound from a disappointing 3-1 defeat to West Ham United as they host Athletic Club at St. James’ Park on March 13, 2024. The loss at the London Stadium marked West Ham’s first home victory in 248 days, highlighting a challenging outing for several Newcastle players. The team hopes to regain its winning form against the Basque side, especially after receiving a significant last-minute fitness boost regarding captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Newcastle’s squad faced difficulties in their last match, with multiple players not performing at their usual level. Earlier this week, concerns grew when it was reported that Guimaraes missed training due to illness. As Newcastle prepares to face Athletic Club, they are optimistic that their captain will recover in time, as his presence is vital for the team’s success.
Athletic Club’s Injury Woes Add to Newcastle’s Advantage
Athletic Club arrives in Newcastle after a lackluster spell in LaLiga, currently sitting in 11th place with three losses in their last five matches. Under the management of Ernesto Valverde, the club has struggled recently, managing only one win and two losses in the ongoing Champions League campaign. Their most recent match saw them defeat Qarabag FK, but previous losses to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have left them in a precarious position.
The situation worsened for Athletic Club with the announcement that they would be without three key players for the trip to northeast England. Spain international Nico Williams (groin), forward Oihan Sancet (hamstring), and experienced defender Yuri Berchiche (calf) have all been ruled out, adding to Newcastle’s hopes of capitalizing on these absences.
Newcastle was already favored to win this fixture, and the absence of Athletic Club’s injured trio only enhances their chances. With Guimaraes potentially returning to the lineup, the Magpies will look to secure all three points at home, where they have historically performed well under Eddie Howe.
Match Preview and Expectations
As Newcastle prepares for this crucial match, the focus will be on their ability to bounce back after the recent defeat. The team has shown resilience at St. James’ Park, and the support from their home crowd could provide the necessary lift. Fans will be watching closely to see if Guimaraes can take the field, as his leadership and skill are pivotal for the team’s performance.
The 23-man squad for Athletic Club includes players such as Unai Simón, Padilla, and Laporte, but the absence of key attackers like Williams could hinder their offensive strategy. Newcastle’s defensive line will aim to exploit these gaps, while the home side prepares to unleash their own attacking talent to secure a much-needed victory.
As the match approaches, expectations are high for Newcastle to turn their fortunes around and deliver a strong performance against a depleted Athletic Club side. The outcome of this fixture could have significant implications for both teams in their respective competitions, making it a must-watch encounter for football fans.
