Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund LIVE: Champions League team news and line-ups as Sandro Tonali in squad

Newcastle host Borussia Dortmund at St. James’ Park this evening as they aim to win consecutive matches in the Champions League this season.

The Magpies defeated Paris Saint-Germain at home last time out in what was their first European top-flight match at St James’ Park in 20 years. Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar all got on the scoresheet as Newcastle sent four past the French champions to take control of their group with four matches to play.

Eddie Howe’s men are unbeaten in the group stages so far having also draw away at AC Milan in their opener but the face a difficult test against Dortmund tonight.

The Bundesliga club have lost just one game in 11 matches all season – away at PSG in their Group F opener – and have scored eight goals in the last four games. They are bottom of the table as it stands and will see tonight’s fixture as a valuable opportunity to get themselves back in the race to reach the knockouts.

Follow the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund right here:

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

Newcastle host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League with kick off at 8pm, live on TNT Sports 2

Eddie Howe’s men top Group F after a 4-1 victory over PSG

Dortmund have lost once in 11 matches across all competitions but need a win to stay in touch in the group

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Dortmund XI: Kobel; Wolf, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Can, Sabitzer; Reus, Fullkrug, Malen

Newcastle United FC – BV Borussia 09 Dortmund

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:50 , Mike Jones

Should Newcastle win tonight they will remain top of Group F and will be one step closer to reaching the knockout rounds. There’s a couple of changes in the team and the Magpies won’t have Sandro Tonali on the pitch from the start.

The Italian should make an appearance later in the match but with a ban from football on the horizon, Eddie Howe may want to give his other midfielders experience of the European top-flight.

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:45 , Mike Jones

Joe Willock is back in the Newcastle matchday squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against Brighton in May.

The midfielder played in the Europa League during his time at Arsenal but has yet to appear in the Champions League. Will he make his debut tonight?

(Action Images via Reuters)

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:40 , Mike Jones

Newcastle go into tonight’s game on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

The Magpies have scored more goals (24) than any other Premier League side this season and have also registered more shots on target inside the box (46), converted more of their attempts (18.9%) and scored more ‘big chances’ (20) than any other team in the division.

Pre-match thoughts from Eddie Howe

19:35 , Mike Jones

The Newcastle boss stopped by TNT Sports ahead of kick off to chat about his team’s experiences in the Champions League so far.

“We have to look back at the PSG game and what we did well.” He said, “When we play at our best here, our off-the-ball work is a key feature.

“This will be a different game, though. Dortmund are a very good team, very dangerous. At home one of our key hallmarks is our intensity and I don’t think we should change for Europe.

“Dortmund have different strengths and we have to try to combat those, we need the crowd like an extra man, that’s our responsibility early in the game.”

Howe’s full thoughts can be heard below:

Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards

19:30 , Mike Jones

So Sandro Tonali has provided Newcastle with greater problems than the conundrum of if and how he and Bruno Guimaraes can play together. Not least because there is the very real possibility that the Italian and the Brazilian, some £100m of imported class, may be soon barred from taking the field together. Not, it should be said, by anything Guimaraes has done.

Investigations by the Italian police and the Italian Football Federation resulted in Tonali’s removal from the Azzurri squad. Should he be banned for illegal betting on football, the £50m signing’s season, which began with one of the great debuts in Newcastle history, could be abruptly curtailed. The precedents from Tonali’s homeland are not promising: the Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli will serve a seven-month suspension for gambling on games. In Tonali’s case, there is a significant difference which could increase the sanction: he reportedly admitted to betting on AC Milan matches. Which, as he was their midfield fulcrum at the time, compounds the offence. The maximum penalty possible is a three-year ban.

Tonali may be more symptom than cause of a wider issue, more victim than offender. His agent, Giuseppe Riso, said the 23-year-old suffers from a gambling addiction. If so, he is not alone: so does Ivan Toney. The Brentford and England striker scored 20 Premier League goals last season: he has none so far this season for the simple reason he is mid-way through an eight-month ban for betting, including on his own teams to lose in games where he was not playing.

Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards

Longstaff on Dortmund

19:25 , Mike Jones

Borussia Dortmund are bottom of Group F with one point from their two Champions League matches so far but they have won each of their last five Bundesliga fixtures.

“They’re a top side with some really good players,” said Sean Longstaff ahead of the game.

“Their fanbase is similar to ours and we’re two similar clubs. [It will be] a night that all players will want to be a part of.”

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:20 , Mike Jones

Dortmund played four games against English opponents in the 2022/23 Champions League.

They lost 2-1 at Manchester City on Matchday 2 before securing a 0-0 draw at home on Matchday 5. The German side then beat Chelsea 1-0 in the round of 16 first leg, but bowed out of the competition after a 2-0 second-leg loss in London.

The goalless draw against City ended the German club’s eight-game losing streak against English clubs while the first leg against Chelsea is Dortmund’s only win against Premier League opposition since a 2-1 victory at Tottenham in the 2015/16 Europa League round of 16 second leg.

Their record since that win was two draws, nine defeats.

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:15 , Mike Jones

Newcastle’s last game against German opponents was the first they failed to win – a goalless draw at Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2006/07 Uefa Cup group stage.

The Magpies had scored three goals in each of their first four meetings against Bundesliga teams, winning three successive games 3-1 before that draw in Frankfurt.

That included both previous home matches – against 1860 München in the 2001 Uefa Intertoto Cup semi-final second leg and Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002/03 Champions League second group stage with Alan Shearer scoring a hat-trick in the latter fixture.

Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole in their team before Champions League clash

19:10 , Mike Jones

Newcastle is twinned with Gelsenkirchen and, as Borussia Dortmund need no reminders, the German city is home to their great rivals, Schalke. They are found in the second division now: as Newcastle can testify from the Mike Ashley years, a vast stadium offers no immunity against relegation. Instead, as Newcastle and Dortmund go head to head in the Champions League tonight, they find themselves twinned in a footballing respect, wrestling with the same problem: how to cope with the loss of a pivotal midfielder.

For Jude Bellingham, read Sandro Tonali, one gone to Real Madrid for a nine-figure sum, the other set for 10 months on the sidelines with a gambling ban. Tonali played in a Champions League semi-final for AC Milan last season. He will not for Newcastle this year, regardless of how far they progress. Wednesday’s game could be his last.

“I’m expecting him to be available,” manager Eddie Howe said. If not, his plans may require a late rethink, Tonali’s campaign already curtailed.

Newcastle and Dortmund share same glaring hole before Champions League clash

Pre-match thoughts from Anthony Gordon

19:05 , Mike Jones

Anthony Gordon spoke to Newcastle’s media team before tonight’s match and explained how he is looking forward to each game since arriving at St. James’ Park.

“Every game that’s coming, I’m looking forward to.” He said, “I’m really enjoying playing.

“It’s great that games are coming thick and fast, especially when the team’s playing so well. In the Champions League you’ve definitely got a special feeling, particularly at St James’ Park.

“I’m really excited.”

(Action Images via Reuters)

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

19:00 , Mike Jones

Tonight’s encounter is the first meeting of the two teams and only Newcastle’s sixth ever game against a German club in Uefa competition.

Dortmund, by contrast, are facing English opponents in Europe for the 33rd time.

Newcastle have never lost to a German side while Dortmund have been beaten in seven of their last eight games in England.

Last time out in the Champions League

18:55 , Mike Jones

Buoyed by playing their first home Champions League game in 20 years, Newcastle dismantled 2020 runners-up Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at St. James’ Park.

It was a performance built on the back of an opening 0-0 draw at AC Milan in what was their first game in the competition since 2002/03.

Now the Group F leaders are aiming for another win against seasoned campaigners Borussia Dortmund who are still searching for their first win and goal having been beaten 2-0 in Paris on Matchday 1 and getting held to a 0-0 draw by Milan in their second fixture.

Borussia Dortmund line-up

18:55 , Mike Jones

Dortmund XI: Kobel; Wolf, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Nmecha, Can, Sabitzer; Reus, Fullkrug, Malen

Subs: Meyer. Lotka, Ozcan, Reyna, Haller, Moukoko, Sule, Adeyemi, Blank, Bynoe-Gittens

Newcastle team changes

18:50 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe makes two changes to the Newcastle team that defeated Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the weekend. Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy drop out with Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron slotting back into the forward line.

Joe Willock returns for a place on the bench and Sandro Tonali will start as a substitute as well.

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund line-ups

18:47 , Mike Jones

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Subs: Dubravka, Karius, Dummett, Tonali, Wilson, Targett, Hall, Livramento, Murphy, Willock

Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle

18:40 , Mike Jones

Sean Longstaff admits he can scarcely believe how far he and Newcastle have come in the last two years.

The 25-year-old midfielder’s future looked to lie away from St James’ Park during the latter stage of the Mike Ashley era, but he has revived his career spectacularly since Amanda Staveley’s consortium completed its takeover in October 2021.

Longstaff will head into Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund having established himself in Eddie Howe’s team at the club he supported as a boy and being touted as a future England international.

Sean Longstaff pinching himself after change in fortunes at Newcastle

Longstaff on Newcastle’s ‘impossible’ dream

18:35 , Mike Jones

Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff says it seemed impossible that the club would be preparing for a Champions League match two years ago.

Eddie Howe’s side are currently top of Group F after a 4-1 home win against Paris St-Germain and a goalless draw at AC Milan. They face Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park this evening.

“Even sat here doing a press conference before a Champions League game seemed impossible,” said Longstaff, “To be in this position now is a real privilege.

“It’s a competition I’ve watched since I was a little kid, to finally be playing in it is something I am trying to take in my stride.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Eddie Howe opens up on ‘hardest part ahead’ for Sandro Tonali

18:30 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe had admitted the hardest part is yet to come for Sandro Tonali who could face a lengthy ban if he is found to have breached betting rules by an ongoing investigation in Italy.

Tonali and Newcastle do not yet know when he will discover his fate, but head coach Howe is convinced the support he has received to date will help him whatever comes his way.

“Let’s wait and see, but yes, I think the hardest part is ahead regardless of what happens.” Howe said,

“Immediately, you get a lot of attention and people are talking about the situation. He’s had the love of the supporters today, but that’s difficult to maintain over a long period of time. Who knows what’s ahead?

“I just think it’s great for him to know he’s got the support, not just of the senior management at the football club and the manager, but also the support of the supporters and they’re the most important people.”

Sandro Tonali trains with Newcastle team amid betting investigation in Italy

18:25 , Mike Jones

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali trained with his team-mates on Tuesday morning amid speculation that an investigation into breaches of betting rules was close to reaching a conclusion.

Reports from Italy have suggested the 23-year-old former AC Milan player could learn his fate before Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park, with some predicting a lengthy ban.

However, the Italy international was among the group which trained at the club’s Darsley Park training headquarters as they completed their preparations for the Group F fixture under grey skies and incessant rain.

Sandro Tonali trains with Newcastle team amid betting investigation in Italy

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund prediction

18:20 , Mike Jones

The match will be a hard-fought affair, but Newcastle will not be able to recreate the same energy and motivation they showed against PSG.

Goals are expected from both teams but this one should be more of an equal contest.

Newcastle 1-1 Dortmund.

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund predicted line-ups

18:15 , Mike Jones

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Borussia Dortmund XI: Kobel; Wolf, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Ozcan; Brandt, Reus, Malen; Fullkrug

Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund team news

18:10 , Mike Jones

The main question surrounding selection will be the outcome of a decision over Sandro Tonali and the investigation into breaches of betting rules concerning the midfielder. The outcome could be announced ahead of the clash, with a lengthy ban expected.

Sven Botman has a knee problem, Matt Ritchie, Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes are also out while Joe Willock is back in training but Wednesday’s match could come too early for the midfielder.

For Dortmund, Julian Ryerson is expected to miss out through illness, with Mateu Morey and Thomas Meunier more long-term injury concerns for the German side.

How to watch Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

18:05 , Mike Jones

The match is on Wednesday 25 October with a kick off time of 8pm BST.

Newcastle vs Dortmund will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7pm BST, the game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ app.

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Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund

18:00 , Mike Jones

Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action as Newcastle welcome Borussia Dortmund to St. James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s men will be confident heading into tonight’s match after hammering PSG 4-1 at home in their last outing. The manager has been vocal in the build-up about recreating the hostile atmosphere from that night and no doubt the Newcastle supporters will give it their best effort when the match gets underway at 8pm.

Newcastle have four points from their opening two matches and a victory over the Bundesliga side this evening would give them a secure grip on top spot in Group F.

However, Dortmund have only lost one of their 11 matches across all competitions this season – against PSG in their Champions League opener – and are in good form heading into the match. They’ll be tricky competition and will trouble the Magpies if they are short of their best form.

We’ll have all the build-up, team news and match coverage throughout the night so stick around.