Overview
- Leverkusen are 17th on eight points in the Champions League league phase, with Newcastle 11th on nine as both chase a top-eight playoff berth.
- For Newcastle, Aaron Ramsdale is expected in goal with Nick Pope injured, with Fabian Schär and Malick Thiaw at centre-back and Tino Livramento plus Lewis Hall likely at full-back.
- Eddie Howe is set to lean on a midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, while Anthony Gordon is viewed as a near-certainty to start in attack.
- If Leverkusen take the points, Newcastle would likely need at least two more from PSV and PSG to reach last season’s 11-point playoff benchmark.
- Leverkusen’s recent run includes a notable 2-0 win at Manchester City followed by a 2-0 loss to Augsburg, underscoring mixed form under coach Kasper Hjulmand.