Newcastle travel to Bayer Leverkusen looking for a win that would keep them on track for automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.
The Magpies slipped out out of the top eight after a 2-1 loss in Marseille last time out in Europe but that is their only defeat in their last five games in all competitions and it appears they are slowly getting back to their best.
Leverkusen will provide a real test with Kasper Hjulmand enjoying a strong start in charge after replacing Erik ten Hag just two games into the season.
The former Danish national team coach has led his side to back-to-back wins in Europe including a famous 2-0 victory at Manchester City to reignite hopes of a top eight finish.
However, they remain a work in progress with Saturday's loss to Augsburg another reminder that they are not the side that won the title in stunning fashion just 18 months ago.
Can Newcastle push up the table or will Leverkusen overtake them with a win? AllSportsPeople brings you the latest tips, betting odds and predictions.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle United Prediction: Who Will Win?
Newcastle's away form has been poor of late to say the least with the recent 4-1 victory at Everton their first in the league all season.
They have fared slightly better in Europe, hammering Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0, but they remain a conundrum on the road.
Leverkusen are even more inconsistent with big wins being followed by disappointing losses as Hjulmand gets to grips with a vastly changed squad.
A draw would probably suit neither side but it feels the most likely outcome.
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Head-to-Head: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle
- The clubs have met on two previous occasions with Newcastle winning both games 3-1.
- They came in the 2002/03 Champions League second group stage with Alan Shearer scoring a hat-trick in the St. James' Park clash.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle: Form Guide
Bayer Leverkusen — Last 5 matches (All competitions)
- Augsburg 2-0 Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
- Dortmund 0-1 Leverkusen (DFB-Pokal)
- Leverkusen 1-2 Dortmund (Bundesliga)
- Manchester City 0-2 Leverkusen (Champions League)
- Wolfsburg 1-3 Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Newcastle – Last 5 matches (All competitions)
- Newcastle 2-1 Burnley (Premier League)
- Newcastle 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)
- Everton 1-4 Newcastle (Premier League)
- Marseille 2-1 Newcastle (Champions League)
- Newcastle 2-1 Manchester City (Premier League)
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle: TSN Score Prediction
A win for either side could put them in the top eight and in with a great shot of automatic qualification given there are just two more games of the league phase after Christmas.
However, it's very hard to back either of these sides with full conviction so we're plumping for a score draw in what should be an exciting clash.
Score Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Newcastle (6/1 with Ladbrokes)
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Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle Team News
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
- Kasper Hjulmand will likely make changes after the disappointing loss to Augsburg.
- Former Liverpool defender Jarrell Quansah could start in place of Robert Andrich at the back.
Newcastle Team News
- Eddie Howe still has several injury absentees but the weekend saw Yoane Wissa make his long awaited debut for Newcastle. He will be on th bench again here.
- Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are likely to come back into midfield after subbing in the win over Burnley.
- Harvey Barnes was rested entirely but could come in for Anthony Elanga.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle Lineups: Predicted Starting XI
This is how we think these two sides will lineup at the BayArena with Jarrell Quansah returning for Leverkusen and Eddie Howe restoring his first-choice midfield three as well as Harvey Barnes.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup to play Newcastle
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1)
Flekken (GK) – Bade, Belocian, Quansah – Poku, Tillman, Garcia, Maza, Grimaldo – Schick, Kofane
- Out: Tape, Augusto, Fernandez, Palacios, Vazquez
- Doubtful: N/A
- Suspensions: N/A
Newcastle predicted lineup to play Bayer Leverkusen
Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Ramsdale (GK) – Livramento, Thiaw, Schar, Burn – Joelinton, Guimares, Tonali – Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
- Out: Trippier, Pope, Osula, Botman, Krafth
- Doubtful: N/A
- Suspensions: N/A
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle Betting Odds
- Bayer Leverkusen to win: 2/1 with AKBets
- Newcastle to win: 11/8 with Bet365
- Draw: 13/5 with Coral
Bet Builder Tips: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle
Our bet builder for Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle is a draw with both teams to score, under 2.5 goals and over 10.5 corners. That came in at 11/1 on Coral at the time of writing.
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How To Watch: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle Live Stream, TV Channel
Here’s all the key information for how to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle.
- Date: Wednesday, December 10
- Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
- Time: 8:00 p.m.
- TV/Stream: TNT Sports