Champions League nights are always special, and this one in Brussels could be a proper tricky test for Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side go to face Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday night (1st October, 5.45 pm UK) in what already feels like a must-win for the Magpies after losing their opener against Barcelona.
Union SG are buzzing after beating PSV away from home in their first ever Champions League league stage match, while Newcastle are still trying to find their feet in both Europe and the Premier League.
This Union SG vs Newcastle United match preview from Winonbetonline looks at form, injuries, betting angles and our final prediction.
Match Preview
Union SG are the reigning Belgian champions and right now they look full of confidence. They’ve won five games on the bounce in all competitions, including that massive 3-1 win at PSV which shocked a lot of people around Europe. They followed it up with a 2-0 win over Westerlo at the weekend which keeps them top of their league with 23 pts from 9 matches.
This is their first time in the Champions League league phase, but last year they reached the Europa League knockouts, so they’re no strangers to European football. The crowd in Brussels will believe they can do something special again.
Newcastle on the other hand are a bit all over the place. They were minutes away from beating Arsenal on Sunday but ended up losing 2-1 thanks to a late Gabriel header. That leaves them 15th in the Premier League, which is nowhere near good enough for a team with their ambitions.
Their Champions League campaign also started badly with a 2-1 home loss to Barcelona, Marcus Rashford scoring twice against them before Gordon pulled one back. Howe’s men need a reaction here or they risk falling behind in this brutal league stage set-up.
Head to Head
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First ever meeting between Union SG and Newcastle.
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Union SG unbeaten in Europe at home since last October.
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Newcastle haven’t won away in the Champions League since 2002 (at Feyenoord).
Team News
Union SG are missing Mohammed Fuseini (ankle) and Raul Florucz (suspended). Rodriguez had a knock but looks like he’ll be fit. Promise David, who’s already on 5 goals this season, will lead the attack alongside Rodriguez and Niang.
Probable XI: Scherpen; Khalaili, Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen; Ait El Hadj, Zorgane, Rasmussen; Rodriguez, David, Niang.
For Newcastle, Livramento went off badly against Arsenal and might face a long lay-off. Ramsey and Wissa are still out, while Schar and Lewis Hall are doubts. Expect Botman and Thiaw to start at the back, with Trippier coming back in. Up top Elanga could join Gordon and Woltemade.
Probable XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Betting Tips for Union SG vs Newcastle
Union SG are strong at home and Newcastle don’t travel well in Europe, so there’s value here for punters.
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BTTS looks nailed on – both sides carry attacking threat.
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Over 2.5 goals worth backing, recent matches point that way.
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Union SG or Draw (Double Chance) has value given Newcastle’s form.
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Correct score angle: 1-1 or 2-1 either way feels likely.
Final Winonbetonline Prediction
This is a tough call. Union SG are in better form, but Newcastle still have that extra bit of quality in the squad. The Magpies are under pressure and sometimes that brings a response.
Winonbetonline prediction: Union SG 1-2 Newcastle United
Best bet: Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals.
As always, bet sensible. Keep it fun, don’t chase losses, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
