Newcastle vs Barcelona: Premier League analyst warns Hansi Flick's side about St James's Park

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer backed the Magpies to get at least a point in their Champions League game against Barcelona, arguing that Eddie Howe's team are tough to beat at home. 

The Blaugrana play Newcastle at St James's Park in their opening Champions League game, and the LALIGA champions are favourites for the tie. However, Shearer sees it differently. 

The Premier League record scorer played in 14 Champions League matches for Newcastle and reached the quarter-final. According to Opta Analyst, Newcastle stand a 15.9% chance of going beyond the quarters, and they begin their journey against Barcelona. 

"It's a tough one to predict,” Shearer said, per Goal. "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.”

According to numbers crunched by Opta Analyst, Newcastle stand a better chance of winning the Champions League than European powerhouses like Juventus and Atletico Madrid. Shearer believes the current format will help the Tyneside club go far in the competition. 

"This new format will suit Newcastle better because they'll be really tough to beat at St James' Park," he said.  "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.”