Not many people believed that Newcastle United would be atop of “Group of Death” after the opening two rounds. Yet, the Magpies are 1st with four points, three more than Borussia Dortmund, who cannot afford to lose this Round 3 tilt of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at St. James' Park. Read our Newcastle vs Dortmund betting preview and prediction.
Newcastle (Form and News)
It’s now well over a month since Newcastle United last tasted defeat (W6, D2) following Saturday's 4-0 Premier League demolition of Crystal Palace. That was their first home game since beating Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 on a memorable UEFA Champions League (UCL) night at St James’ Park and another beckons here against Borussia Dortmund as they bid to remain unbeaten in the very competitive Group F (W1, D1).
That goal PSG scored against them is the only one that the Magpies have conceded here across their last five competitive fixtures, all of which they won, so they’ll be seeking to lay the foundations for victory with another strong defensive performance. Repeating 3-1 triumphs here against 1860 Munich in the 2001 Intertoto Cup and Bayer Leverkusen in the UCL one season later would certainly fit the bill as they welcome German opposition once again.
Player to watch: Sean Longstaff netted between the 40th and 50th minute of both of Newcastle’s last two home fixtures to make the scoreline 3-0.
Eddie Howe cannot count on injured Harvey Barnes (ankle) and Sven Botman (knee). Joe Willock is questionable with a muscle injury.
Dortmund (Form and News)
Like their hosts, Dortmund are unbeaten in more than a month (W4, D1) after beating Werder Bremen 1-0 on Friday to remain among the early Bundesliga pace-setters. By contrast, they sit at the bottom of Group F having not yet won in the UCL this term (D1, L1), so it seems important that they get something out of this fixture between two sides who have never previously met if they want to progress to the knockout stages.
Although the German outfit has plenty of experience playing in the UK, Edin Terzić’s side may not be relishing this trip as they’ve lost their last six European away games against English opponents, conceding at least twice on each occasion! Another concern is that the 1996/97 UCL winners have won just one of their last seven UCL away games anywhere (D1, L5).
Player to watch: Julian Brandt scored between the 50th and 70th minute in both of Dortmund’s last two fixtures, the latest of which was his 300th Bundesliga appearance.
Julien Duranville (thigh), Thomas Meunier (inactive), Mateu Morey (inactive), and Julian Ryerson (illness) will not travel with the team to Newcastle.
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Newcastle vs Dortmund H2H Record
These rivals have never met before.
Newcastle vs Dortmund Odds
Newcastle are -150 favorites in this one; a draw is at +320 while backing Dortmund at +430 is an option if you think the Germans can make a little upset. For the goals, Over 2.5 is -138, and Under 2.5 can be backed at +120. Both teams to score YES is at -139, while NO is at +120. Take a look at more Champions League odds here.
Newcastle vs Dortmund Betting Pick
Newcastle haven’t started this season well. After suffering three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, the Magpies are now undefeated in eight matches in all competitions. Newcastle are unbeaten in 15 home UEFA competition matches (W10, D5). These signs are against Dortmund, but Borussia are also in fine form lately, so I am sure we will have an entertaining duel.
Newcastle scored 2+ goals in each of the previous four games, while Dortmund failed to find the back of the net just twice this season. They are still scoreless in UCL, which is surprising for such a talented side, so I am backing Dortmund to score at least one at St. James' Park. It will be hard for the visitors to keep their net intact, which is why I am going with both teams to score.
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
