Newcastle United face Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in their second match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on October 1 at Lotto Park.
The Magpies did not have an impressive start to the campaign, and after suffering a 2-1 loss to Arsenal over the weekend, they sit stand 15th in the Premier League with six points after two draws, three defeats, and a solitary win.
Newcastle were also on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss against Barcelona in their opening match of the Champions League this season.
Union SG, meanwhile, stand on top of the Belgian Pro League with 23 points by maintaining an undefeated nine-match streak. They extended their success to the Champions League by bagging a 3-1 win against Dutch club PSV in their first match of the competition.
The upcoming match on Wednesday will mark the first time Newcastle and Union SG have faced each other in a competitive game.
Union SG vs. Newcastle United lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest
Union SG will be missing Mohammed Fuseini in the front line due to an ankle injury, while there are some doubts about Kevin Rodriguez, who suffered a minor knock, although reports have suggested that the 25-year-old will be cleared to start against Newcastle.
Head coach Sebastien Pocognoli will be hoping that his squad pulls off another impressive display against the Magpies, ensuring a smooth run in their debut season in the Champions League.
Union Saint-Gilloise predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Scherpen (GK) — Khalaili, Mac Allister, Burgess, Leysen — Ait El Hadj, Zorgane, Rasmussen — Rodriguez, David, Niang
Injured: Fuseini (ankle), Rodriguez (minor knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Newcastle will be without Jacob Ramsey due to an ankle injury, along with Yoane Wissa, who suffered a knee injury.
Tino Livramento is also absent after being taken off on a stretcher against Arsenal with a knee injury, but there is better news regarding Fabian Schar, with Eddie Howe confirming the defender is back in the squad.
Lewis Hall's availability remains in doubt, although reports suggest the Englishman could feature in the upcoming clash.
Howe admitted this is "a time in the season where we need to perform", with a place in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 the main reason to cheer so far in 2025/26. That makes this Champions League game almost a must-win for the English manager to turn things around for the Magpies.
Newcastle United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn — Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton — Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Injured: Ramsey (ankle), Wissa (knee), Hall (knock, doubt), Livramento (knee)
Suspended: None
Union SG vs. Newcastle United match details
- Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- Kickoff time: 6:45 p.m. local / 5:45 p.m. BST
- Location: Lotto Park, Anderlecht (Belgium)
- Competition: UEFA Champions League league phase matchday two
- Referee: Urs Schnyder (SUI)
- VAR: Fedayi San (SUI)