Newcastle v Dortmund – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle host Dortmund at St. James’ Park in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. The Magpies have turned around a poor start to the season and look in top form. With four points from matchdays one and two, Newcastle can take a step towards qualification against BVB.

Newcastle Form

After losing three matches in a row in the league from rounds two to four, Eddie Howe’s team is now unbeaten in eight matches with six wins and two draws. They ground out a 0-0 draw at AC Milan to start their European journey before winning 8-0 at Sheffield United and beating Man City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup.

A 2-0 home win vs Burnley preceded a superb 4-1 win over PSG at St. James’ Park on matchday two in the Champions League. Newcastle finished and pressed the French giants ruthlessly. A late goal conceded then saw them draw 2-2 at West Ham before thumping Crystal Palace 4-0 at home last time out. They put up 2.39 xG and created six ‘big chances.

Newcastle Team News

After a long injury, Joe Willock is nearing a return. He could make the bench for this match but is unlikely to play any minutes. Sven Botman is ruled out at centre back so Jamaal Lascelles will continue to deputise after some excellent form. Harvey Barnes is injured in attack and won’t feature.

Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak are set to start after having partial rests in the win over Crystal Palace. Jacob Murphy and Callum Wilson are expected to be the ones dropped down to the bench. Sandro Tonali may have to settle for a substitute role with Sean Longstaff in excellent form.

Newcastle Motivation

As in the PSG game, expect a high-octane performance full of pressing and energy. Newcastle will go all out to win and take three points.

A draw would be seen as a disappointing result with trips to Dortmund and PSG in their final three group matches.

Dortmund Form

Dortmund’s 11 matches this season in all competitions have only seen one loss. That defeat was 2-0 to PSG on matchday one, which came after successive Bundesliga draws. Since the loss in France, they’ve won four out of four league fixtures and drew on matchday two of the Champions League.

A 1-0 home win over Wolfsburg preceded a 3-1 win at Hoffenheim. Dortmund then hosted AC Milan but they looked a bit toothless in a 0-0 stalemate. They’ve since beaten Union Berlin 4-2 at home and Werder Bremen 1-0 on home turf to move up to fourth in the Bundesliga table.

Dortmund Team News

BVB have four players ruled out for this match. Right backs Thomas Meunier and Mateu Morey continue to miss out with Marius Wolf set to play at fullback instead.

Striker Youssoufa Moukoko is injured and Niclas Füllkrug is set to lead the line in preference to Sebastien Haller. Young forward Julien Duranville is another who is ruled out.

Dortmund Motivation

Coach Edin Terzic knows his team needs something from this match. With one point from two fixtures so far, a defeat gives them an uphill battle to qualify.

Dortmund would see a draw as an excellent result. They won’t play defensively to get a point but they may become more pragmatic later in the match.

Key Stats

Newcastle are 8 matches unbeaten with 6 wins (& 6 clean sheets)

Newcastle have won their last 5 home matches with 1 goal conceded.

Dortmund have lost 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League

BVB are 11 away UCL matches without a clean sheet (21 goals conceded)

Dortmund have lost their last 6 matches on English turf.

Verdict

It’s hard to see past a Toon win at home considering Dortmund’s struggles on their travels, particularly with English clubs. Both sides should score but Newcastle could win by a margin of two or more goals.

Best Bet: Newcastle win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.40

Alternate Bet: Newcastle to win (-1 handicap) at 2.70

Goalscorer Tip: Isak to score anytime at 1.95