Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction and Betting Tips for Matchday 4 of the Champions League, scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 20:00 GMT. The match takes place at St. James’ Park and will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime, TNT Sports 2, and Discovery+. Newcastle look to extend their strong European form, while Bilbao aim to steady their campaign after mixed results. For more expert analysis, check out Champions League Predictions from XpertStats.

• Newcastle chasing a third straight European win after back-to-back clean sheets.
• Athletic Bilbao dealing with major injury setbacks including both Williams brothers.
• Historic first meeting in over 30 years between the clubs in European competition.
• St. James’ Park crowd expected to play a key role once again on Wednesday night.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Eddie Howe’s men. After a frustrating loss to Barcelona, Newcastle bounced back with authority, sweeping aside Union SG and Benfica by a combined 7–0. That’s dominance. Their pressing, pace, and newfound composure in midfield have reshaped their European identity. Yet, as recent domestic form shows, the Magpies are far from flawless. That defeat to West Ham on Sunday left Howe fuming about his team’s “energy” or lack thereof. Still, there’s something electric about this side under the lights at St. James’. Can they sustain it?

Anthony Gordon’s potential absence might sting. The winger’s energy has been vital, scoring four in his last three Champions League outings. But Newcastle’s depth offers solutions. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy have both stepped up creatively, and Bruno Guimarães continues to dictate play from deep. Defensively, the Magpies have rediscovered their bite, one goal conceded in three European games is proof of that. Even without Kieran Trippier’s leadership, there’s enough resilience to handle Bilbao’s wide threats.

As for Athletic Bilbao, it’s been a turbulent few weeks. Ernesto Valverde’s side finally snapped a poor European run with a 3–1 win over Qarabağ, but consistency remains elusive. The Basque club’s away record tells its own story: four defeats in their last five continental trips. Injuries have gutted their attack too, with both Inaki and Nico Williams sidelined. That’s brutal for a side that relies so heavily on width and transition speed. Even so, players like Gorka Guruzeta have shown flashes of quality, scoring in consecutive European matches.

Historically, Bilbao don’t travel well to England. One win in ten attempts isn’t much comfort. Their defensive lapses have also been costly, conceding seven goals in just three group matches. That said, Valverde’s men never go down quietly. Expect grit, structure, and counterpunching football. But if Newcastle hit rhythm early, the game could tilt their way fast. There’s a sense that the Magpies, buoyed by the roar of the Gallowgate End, might just make this another night to remember in their Champions League Predictions journey.