Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle Prediction – Champions League – 1/10/2025

Union Saint-Gilloise have been one of the surprise packages in European football in recent years. Last season, they reached the Europa League round of 16, where they bowed out to Ajax, but their progress confirmed their growing reputation. This year, Sébastien Pocognoli’s men are testing themselves on an even bigger stage — the Champions League.

Their debut could hardly have gone better. On Matchday 1, the Belgian champions stunned PSV Eindhoven with a 3-1 away victory, underlining their ambition to compete with Europe’s elite. Domestically, Union SG are building on last season’s historic league title — their first since 1935. They remain unbeaten in the 2025/26 campaign with six wins and two draws, holding a six-point cushion at the top of the table. Recent wins over Anderlecht (2-0), Dender (1-0), and Genk (2-1) showcased their consistency, and they hosted Westerlo over the weekend in preparation for this European showdown.

Newcastle’s Return to the Champions League

Newcastle United, meanwhile, are back in the Champions League after missing out entirely last season. Their fifth-place finish in the Premier League secured their return, but they were immediately handed a daunting opener against Barcelona. Eddie Howe’s men battled hard but ultimately fell 2-1 at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies’ Premier League campaign has been less than ideal so far. Sitting 13th in the standings with just one win, three draws, and one defeat, they are still searching for rhythm. After a goalless draw at Bournemouth, they faced Arsenal last weekend in what promised to be another tough test ahead of their trip to Belgium.

Team News and Lineups

Union Saint-Gilloise will be without their leading striker, Austrian international Florucz, who remains suspended after missing the opening group game. He had already registered four goals and two assists in the league before his ban. Ghanaian forward Fuseini is also absent, as he was not registered for the competition. That leaves the attacking burden on players like Mohamed Amoura David (three league goals), Ait El Hadj (one assist), and Ecuadorian winger Kevin Rodríguez, who has already struck four times in domestic play.

For Newcastle, injuries continue to complicate Eddie Howe’s selection plans. Defender Fabian Schär is ruled out, as are new attacking signings Aaron Ramsey and Yoane Wissa. With Alexander Isak departing for Liverpool in the summer, much of the responsibility now falls on new German signing Nick Woltemade, who scored his first Premier League goal but started on the bench against Barcelona.

Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy (one PL assist, one UCL assist), Anthony Gordon (scorer in the opening group match), and Amad Diallo Elanga are all options to join Woltemade in attack. In midfield, the trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton will provide steel and creativity, as they did throughout last season’s campaign.

Match Outlook

Union SG’s home ground has been a fortress in recent months. Nine of their last 12 home games in the Belgian Pro League have produced over 2.5 goals, and their attacking style tends to deliver high-scoring encounters. Newcastle, on the other hand, have been involved in similarly open contests on their travels, with six of their last eight away games at this level also featuring three or more goals.

Both sides have attacking threats but also defensive vulnerabilities. With Union SG aiming to prove they belong at this level and Newcastle desperate to bounce back from their defeat to Barcelona, the stage is set for an entertaining contest.

Prediction

Union SG have shown they can compete with big names, but Newcastle’s attacking depth may ultimately tip the balance. Expect goals at both ends, with the Magpies just edging it.

Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 1 – 2 Newcastle United