Union Saint Gilloise vs Newcastle Predictions

• Newcastle impressed in defeat to Barcelona in the opening round.
• Union SG are playing their home games at a different stadium in Europe.
• Newcastle are unbeaten away from home this season.

First points for Newcastle

Newcastle lost out to Barcelona in the opening round of Champions League games but a trip to Royal Union SG in one of the two early games on Wednesday offers a chance for Eddie Howe’s men to get off the mark.

Union SG come into the game in sensational form and this won’t be a straightforward tie for the visitors.

The Belgian outfit are unbeaten since losing their domestic Super Cup to Club Brugge, with eight wins and two draws across all competitions, but Newcastle represent a step up in class from their usual opponents.

USG’s home advantage has also been compromised as this game will be played at Lotto Park, rather than their usual home of Stade Joseph Marien, to hold more spectators.

Expect a response from Newcastle

The Magpies have made a mixed start in the Premier League with six points from as many games but they are unlucky not to have a few more on the board. Newcastle conceded a last gasp goal in a defeat to Liverpool in August and their only defeat since came on Sunday, as they let a 1-0 lead slip away in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal – who hit the winner in the 96th minute.

Howe’s side competed well in their loss to Barcelona and should find Union SG far easier to cope with.

The Belgian club are in fine form, however, and they sent out a clear statement of intent with an impressive 3-1 win at PSV in their European opener. Newcastle are unbeaten on the road across all competitions with three consecutive 0-0 draws but that trend could be bucked on Wednesday as they are facing a USG side who have only failed to score in one of their 11 games this season. Newcastle’s attack isn’t firing on all cylinders just yet but they have shown quality with goals in games against Barca, Liverpool and Arsenal and should be able to outgun their hosts so an away with with goals at both ends looks a reasonable option here.

Woltemade a goal contender

Union SG haven’t conceded more than twice in any fixture since January and that run includes Europa League games against the likes of Ajax and Rangers, so Newcastle may have to settle for a narrow margin of victory and a 2-1 win for the visitors has a chance.

Nick Woltemade was on target in the defeat to Arsenal and Newcastle’s summer recruit looks like he could prove to be a shrewd buy with two goals in three Premier League games so far. The Germany international was removed midway through the second half against the Gunners and that suggests he will be handed a first Champions League start on Wednesday, and he can mark the occasion with an anytime goal.