We Saw Newcastle play Against West Ham We’re Not Scared, Athletic Bilbao Coach Confident Ahead of Champions League Clash at St James’ Park
Newcastle United will be looking to bounce back when they host Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League clash. Kick-off is set for 8pm, with live coverage on TNT Sports, and fans will be hoping Eddie Howe’s side can replicate the form they’ve shown in Europe so far this season.
Despite a shaky start to their European campaign, Newcastle have impressed on the continental stage. Their opening game, a home defeat against Barcelona, was expected by many, yet the Magpies put in a resilient performance that defied expectations. Since then, Newcastle have picked up convincing wins against Union Saint-Gillioise and Benfica, putting them in a strong position to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages. These results underline that Howe’s side are a serious force in Europe, even if domestic form has been inconsistent at times.
Nico Williams’ Injury Boost for Newcastle
Newcastle could benefit from the potential absence of Athletic Bilbao’s star winger, Nico Williams. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who has been heavily linked with Barcelona in recent seasons, missed training on Monday, casting doubt over his availability. Injuries have hampered Williams’ progress, and his absence could give Newcastle an added edge in Wednesday’s clash.
However, Howe’s team cannot take anything for granted. Athletic Bilbao remain a dangerous side, even without Williams. The squad is full of technically skilled and experienced players capable of exploiting defensive lapses, meaning Newcastle will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
Bilbao Coach: Confident and Bold
Adding intrigue ahead of the game, Athletic Bilbao’s coach delivered a bold statement in an eight-minute Champions League interview. “We saw Newcastle’s weakness against West Ham – we’re not scared, and we’ll win,” he said. The remark highlights Bilbao’s confidence and their readiness to challenge the Magpies on their home turf.
Even in Williams’ absence, the coach’s comments underline that Athletic Bilbao are not reliant on one player. Their tactical discipline, experience, and ability to exploit weaknesses make them a formidable opponent, and Newcastle must approach the match with focus and intensity to avoid any surprises.
Newcastle’s European Form vs Domestic Challenges
While Newcastle have impressed in Europe, their domestic performances have occasionally been inconsistent. Fans will be hoping the Magpies can channel their Champions League momentum into a strong showing at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe will likely emphasize tactical discipline while encouraging his side to exploit opportunities on the counterattack, balancing defensive solidity with attacking intent.
High Stakes for Both Teams
A win for Newcastle would solidify their position in the knockout stages and provide a crucial morale boost ahead of a busy fixture schedule in both domestic and European competitions. For Athletic Bilbao, the match represents an opportunity to showcase their quality on a significant stage and secure a potentially important away result.
The clash promises to be a fascinating encounter, blending Newcastle’s attacking firepower and European confidence with Athletic Bilbao’s tactical discipline and boldness. With both teams eager to assert themselves, fans can expect a competitive, high-intensity match at St James’ Park, with each side aware that a win could define their Champions League campaign.
As the Magpies prepare to face Athletic Bilbao, the stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling Champions League showdown.
