Match Overview

The Matchday 2 fixture of the 2025/26 general stage between Union (Belgium) and Newcastle (England) is scheduled for October 1st at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. Here’s a comprehensive preview of the Union vs. Newcastle encounter, including our prediction, betting odds, and key statistics.

Union

Team Performance in Champions League

Two weeks ago, Union made their historic debut in the main tournament, securing an impressive 3-1 victory over PSV. This marked only the Belgian side’s fifth Champions League appearance overall, including qualifying rounds, having previously managed only one win. Following their successful trip to the Netherlands, the team ended a streak of three consecutive losses in this European competition.

• The club has found the net in regular time in 7 of their last 8 European fixtures.
• Union’s run of decisive matches in international tournaments spans 7 games (5 wins, 2 losses).
• At least two goals have been scored in 6 of Union’s previous European matches.

Union’s Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

Kjell Scherpen – Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess – Anouar Ait El Hadj, Anan Khalaili, Adem Zorgane, Mathias Rasmussen, Oussama Niang – Raul Floruch, David Promis.

Team News: Union Injuries & Suspensions

Striker Raul Floruch has served his suspension. Another attacking player, Mohammed Fuseini, is currently injured.

Newcastle

Recent Champions League Form

Newcastle’s Champions League debut at home was less fortunate, as they failed to please their fans, falling 1-2 to Barcelona. The Magpies narrowly avoided a goalless defeat, scoring their lone goal in the 90th minute. This result extended their winless streak in the Champions League to five matches, with four of these encounters ending in defeat.

• Newcastle has conceded in their last 6 Champions League matches.
• At least two goals have been scored in 5 of Newcastle’s last 6 matches in this tournament.

Newcastle’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Sven Botman – Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali – Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade.

Team News: Newcastle Injuries & Doubts

Midfielder Jacob Ramsey and forward Yoane Wissa are recovering from injuries. Defenders Fabian Schär and Valentino Livramento are doubtful.

Referee

Urs Schnyder (Switzerland)

Matches officiated – 10 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;

Average yellow cards per match – 5.5;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 21;

Penalties awarded – 10%.

Match Prediction: Union vs Newcastle

Union’s Defensive Strength

In the opening Champions League fixture, Union decisively defeated PSV, conceding only one goal in the 90th minute when the score was already 3-0, effectively sealing the match outcome. The team generally maintains a solid defensive line; evidence of this is their record of conceding no more than one goal in 8 of their last 10 European matches. This defensive consistency was also apparent in 5 of Union’s previous 6 home games across the Champions League and Europa League.

Newcastle’s Attacking Struggles

Newcastle, on the other hand, has not demonstrated strong attacking prowess. Two weeks ago, the club barely avoided a goalless defeat against Barcelona, scoring a consolation goal late in the game. More broadly, the English side has not netted more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches. Three of these seven games were played away from home, where Newcastle managed a total of just one goal. While they faced higher-profile opponents previously, a robust Union squad is equally capable of minimizing errors in front of their goal.

Our Betting Tip

Our Prediction: Newcastle Individual Total Goals Under 1.5 with odds of 1.78