Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given his prediction for the Magpies' Champions League clash with Barcelona on Thursday night
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has backed his former club to get a positive result when they face Barcelona in the Champions League. The Magpies will take on the La Liga giants in their first league phase fixture of the competition this season at St James' Park on Thursday night.
Barcelona have been tipped to be one of the frontrunners to win the Champions League this term after reaching last season's semi-final and winning the La Liga title. Newcastle qualified for this season's tournament after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.
Eddie Howe will be without deadline day signing Yoane Wissa due to a knee injury, but will have club-record signing Nick Woltemade in their squad for the clash against Barcelona. Woltemade scored his first goal for Newcastle during last weekend's win over Wolves, reports Chronicle Live.
Shearer has explained why he will not be in attendance at St. James' Park for the clash between Newcastle and Barcelona, but has backed his former club to get a point against the Spanish giants.
"I'll probably be in the air on the way to the US for two days so I couldn't believe it when the draw was made," Shearer told Betfair. "What are the chances of Newcastle playing Barcelona on the only Thursday night in a Champions League campaign and I'll be travelling.
"It's a great game for Newcastle, it really is. They'll go into full of confidence having picked up their first win of the season last weekend. The new centre-forward, record signing [Woltemade] scoring the goal. St James' Park will be rocking. It'll be an amazing atmosphere.
"It's a tough one to predict. I guess Barcelona, because of their history and everything else, may be slight favourites but it'll be a really interesting and tough game.
"It's a tough one to predict but I think Newcastle, at home, will make it as tough as possible, and I think they'll get something out of the game. I think it may be a draw.
"This new format will suit Newcastle better because they'll be really tough to beat at St James' Park. I think I'm like the vast majority in that the format worked last season. It was much better, more exciting and there was more to play for.
"If I'm right in saying, 11 points was enough to get in the top 24 so I'd be hopeful that Newcastle could do that. I guess getting 12 would most-likely guarantee you getting through but 11 gives you a good chance."
Newcastle will take on a Barcelona that will be without star youngster Lamine Yamal at St. James' Park this evening due to an injury. Shearer has praised the Spain international and explains what Yamal's absence could mean for the outcome of the tie.
"Lamine Yamal is amazing," said Shearer. "What he's achieved already, the talent, excitement that's already around him is real. I've seen him many times and he's very, very special.
"No one wants to see anyone injured but from a Newcastle point-of-view, it has to be good news. I hope the injury isn't serious and I hope it's only one game he misses, but it has to be good news for Newcastle because what he brings to that team, he's an incredible talent who will only get better."