Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao | Champions League Preview & Betting Tips | 5 November 2025
Newcastle play a high-energy 4-3-3, pressing hard and hitting on the break. Bilbao line up in a solid 4-2-3-1, controlling the middle and using width. No major injury flags in the last few days. First meeting adds extra spice to this group tie.
- Ball battle: Newcastle average 55% possession and funnel 40% of attacks down the right; Bilbao sit at 58% with patient build-up.
- Set-piece edge: Newcastle score 0.4 per game from dead balls and concede 0.3; Bilbao 0.3 scored and 0.3 against — restarts will matter.
- Shot volume: Newcastle fire 14.5 shots (5.0 on target); Bilbao 13.0 (4.5 on target) — both will test the keepers.
Newcastle last 10: 5–3–2, goals 20 for / 9 against, clean sheets 4. Solid run with a few draws, but scoring freely.
Bilbao last 10: 5–3–2, goals 13 for / 7 against, clean sheets 5. Hard to beat, grinding out results.
Newcastle pack more punch — they’ll fancy breaching Bilbao’s back line.
Bilbao tighter at the back — Newcastle will need to be clinical.
Bilbao keep more shutouts — a low-scoring scrap possible.
Bilbao edge the ball — Newcastle happy to counter.
Total corners likely 11.5+ — both force plenty.
Physical battle could see over 5.5 cards.
Newcastle generate more volume — they’ll test Bilbao.
Even on quality — a tight expected battle.
Newcastle slight edge from dead balls — one delivery could settle it.
Bilbao win more duels; Newcastle tidier — midfield scrap incoming.
Newcastle stronger late — second half could open up.
Newcastle games go over more — goals on the cards.
Newcastle picking up more — home form key.
Newcastle at home (last 10): 70% win rate, avg 2.2 scored / 0.8 conceded, 5 clean sheets. St James’ is a fortress.
Bilbao away (last 10): 50% win rate, avg 1.2 scored / 0.9 conceded, 4 clean sheets. Solid but less clinical on the road.
Goals Against (per game)
xG Against (per game)
Newcastle generate 1.5 xG per game and restrict to 1.3 xGA; Bilbao post 1.4 / 1.2. Tight on expected quality, home edge tips it.
First-ever competitive meeting between the sides. No history to lean on — all about current form and the electric St James’ atmosphere.
Newcastle are flying at home, scoring freely and tough to break down. Bilbao are organised and hard to beat, but the Magpies’ intensity should overwhelm them. Expect goals and a home win.
Prediction: 2–1 home win.
Main pick: Newcastle to Win — home fortress, better attack, and form edge.
Value angle: BTTS Yes — 55% for Newcastle, Bilbao score on the road.
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Who will win Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
We back Newcastle at home. Our call is a 2–1 win.
What is the best bet in the Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao game?
Newcastle to Win is the main pick; BTTS Yes offers value.
What time does Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao kick off in the UK?
Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 20:00 GMT (subject to TV schedule).
Where is Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao being played?
St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
What are the recent head-to-head results between Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao?
No prior competitive meetings.
Who has the better form going into Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
Newcastle 5–3–2, Bilbao 5–3–2 in last 10 — edge Newcastle at home.
What is the KickTheBookies prediction for Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
2–1 to Newcastle.
Who has the best xG Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao?
Newcastle lead: 1.5 for / 1.3 against vs Bilbao 1.4 / 1.2.
Will BTTS in the Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao game?
Model says 58% chance.
Will we see over or under 2.5 goals in the Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao game?
Leaning Over 2.5 — Newcastle hit it in 55% of games.