Guimaraes a doubt as Newcastle eye third straight European win against Bilbao

Newcastle’s European momentum meets a proper test under the lights, but Eddie Howe’s got a juggling act on his hands. Two Champions League wins from three have put the Magpies in a tasty position, yet a bruising domestic loss at West Ham and a setback in Barcelona have kept feet firmly on the ground. Athletic Bilbao arrive after being turned over by Arsenal and, with just the one win to their name, they’ve got plenty to prove on Tyneside.

Newcastle team news: illness in the camp and a right-back reunion

All eyes are on the fitness of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian heartbeat has been under the weather and a final decision will come on matchday. If Guimaraes doesn’t make it, Newcastle’s entire midfield balance shifts – he’s that important. Eddie Howe revealed a bug has been doing the rounds, affecting Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy, Kieran Trippier and Guimaraes at various points.

There’s better news at right-back, where Trippier is expected to return after missing the weekend trip to London, likely replacing Emil Krafth. Anthony Gordon, withdrawn at half-time at West Ham with a sore hip, could be managed off the bench if cleared. Should he be held back, the onus falls on the wide men to supply Newcastle’s front line with quality early and often.

Bottom line: Howe will pick a side with enough steel to press high and play on the front foot, but he won’t gamble recklessly on half-fit stars with the schedule stacking up.

Howe on the bug: calm head, late calls

The head coach admitted several players have been feeling rough and confirmed Guimaraes is a genuine game-time call. The message, though, is measured: manage the sickness, trust the squad, and avoid forcing anyone through who isn’t ready.

Athletic Bilbao team news: Williams out, options stretched

Ernesto Valverde’s squad is patched together for this one. Nico Williams hasn’t travelled, while Oihan Sancet and Yuri Berchiche also stayed home. Inaki Williams is sidelined after an adductor problem picked up in Europe last month, taking another big weapon off the board. Benat Prados and Unai Egiluz are nearing the end of ACL recoveries but aren’t ready to be thrown in, Maroan Sannadi remains out, and Yeray Alvarez is suspended until February.

Valverde struck a confident tone regardless, backing the depth he does have to compete. Expect the visitors to be organised, compact, and intent on nicking transitions when Newcastle commit numbers forward.

Tactical take: Trippier’s delivery vs Bilbao’s shape

With Trippier back, Newcastle regain their chief provider from wide areas and set pieces – a major factor against a defence likely to sit narrow. If Guimaraes starts, you’ll see the hosts stitch moves together far cleaner through the middle; if not, it’s about energy, second balls, and pinning Bilbao back with territory.

For Bilbao, without the Williams brothers’ thrust, they’ll lean on structure and the counter. If Newcastle get their press right, St James’ Park could be rocking early.

Odds and ends

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Confirmed XIs

Newcastle: To be confirmed one hour before kick-off.

Athletic Bilbao: To be confirmed one hour before kick-off.

Make no mistake, this is a night to underline Newcastle’s European credentials. Get the early goal, manage the bug-hit bodies, and the Magpies should have enough to make it three wins from four.