The Daily Star Ireland
Union Saint-Gilloise are back on the European stage with growing ambition. Last season, they impressed by advancing from the Europa League group phase and pushing Ajax hard in the round of 16. This year, the Belgian champions are aiming even higher as they test themselves in the Champions League.
Their group stage debut could hardly have gone better. Sébastien Pocognoli’s men stunned PSV Eindhoven with a 3-1 away victory, underlining their ability to compete at this level. Domestically, Union are enjoying a dream run as well. After winning their first Belgian league title since 1935 last year, they remain unbeaten this season with six wins and two draws, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with a six-point cushion. Recent victories over Anderlecht (2-0), Dender (1-0), and Genk (2-1) further strengthened their momentum ahead of last weekend’s clash with Westerlo.
Newcastle’s Return to Europe
Newcastle United make their Champions League comeback after a year away from European football. Their fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season was enough to secure their return to the competition. However, Eddie Howe’s side has endured a difficult start both domestically and in Europe.
The Magpies opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona, a tough assignment for any side. In the Premier League, they have struggled to build early consistency, with just one win from five matches (one victory, three draws, one defeat), leaving them 13th in the standings. After a goalless draw away to Bournemouth, they faced Arsenal last weekend in a key test of their credentials.
Team News and Key Players
Union Saint-Gilloise will once again be without Austrian striker Florian Florucz, who remains suspended after missing the PSV clash. Florucz has been one of their most productive forwards this season with four goals and two assists in the league, making his absence a significant blow. Ghanaian attacker Fuseini is also unavailable, having not been registered for the Champions League.
Still, Union boast plenty of firepower. Mohamed Amoura David (three league goals) and Ait El Hadj (one league assist) were both on target against PSV, while Ecuadorian forward Kevin Rodríguez leads their scoring charts with four league goals. These three are expected to spearhead the attack once again.
For Newcastle, defensive stalwart Fabian Schär is sidelined, while new signings Ramsey and Yoane Wissa are also out injured. Summer signing Woltemade, brought in from Germany to replace Alexander Isak after his move to Liverpool, could start after featuring from the bench against Barcelona. Anthony Gordon, who scored in that match, and Elanga are likely candidates to join him in the front line. Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy — who has already registered both a Premier League assist and a Champions League assist — provide additional options.
In midfield, Eddie Howe can rely on his core trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton, who bring balance, creativity, and grit to the center of the pitch.
Match Outlook
Union’s home ground has been a fortress this season, not only in terms of results but also entertainment value. Nine of their last 12 home fixtures have produced more than 2.5 goals, a trend that reflects their attacking approach. Newcastle’s away record tells a similar story, with six of their last eight away matches at this level also finishing with three or more goals.
Both teams have the weapons to find the net, but Newcastle’s Premier League experience and depth could prove decisive. Union will look to their passionate home crowd to bridge the gap, but the Magpies may have just enough to edge a close contest.
Prediction
Union Saint-Gilloise are likely to make things difficult for their visitors, but Newcastle’s firepower and midfield strength should tip the balance. Expect goals at both ends, with the English side narrowly prevailing.
Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 1 – 2 Newcastle United
