Newcastle stat proves Barcelona must start Marcus Rashford, Eddie Howe should be worried
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(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 18 September 2025 12:02, UK
Marcus Rashford’s goalscoring record against Newcastle United proves that Barcelona boss Hansi Flick must select him against the Magpies.
In the summer transfer window, Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United, and he has gone on to produce one assist in four La Liga appearances.
The 27-year-old’s first three outings for the Catalonian giants arrived as a substitute, before he was selected in Flick’s starting 11 against Valencia on Sunday, 14 September.
Flick was proven right to call upon the former Aston Villa man, as he produced an assist against Valencia, continuing the strong form he showed when he scored in England’s recent win over Serbia.
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
In their last Premier League game, Newcastle defeated Wolves 1-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday, 13 September.
However, hosting reigning La Liga champions Barcelona on Thursday, 18 September, is an entirely different proposition for Eddie Howe’s side.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
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Furthermore, the England star has notched two goals and two assists in six starts at St James’ Park, providing more evidence that Flick should select him.
Even though Lamine Yamal is currently absent through injury, Barcelona boast plenty of firepower, which can cause Newcastle plenty of problems.
Barcelona’s last three resultsLa Liga 2025/26Levante (A)2-3 WRayo Vallecano (H)1-1 DValencia (H)6-0 WBarca thrashed Valencia last time out
Attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, winger Raphinha, and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski all scored braces as Flick’s men hammered Valencia 6-0 on 14 September.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Chelsea are still interested in Lopez, but for now, Howe should be worried by the 22-year-old’s strong form.
In addition to stars like Rashford, Lewandowski, and Raphinha, Newcastle may also struggle to contain the threat of Spain international midfielders Dani Olmo and Pedri.
The atmosphere at St James’ Park will ensure that the Magpies put plenty of intensity into their performance against Barcelona.
However, Flick’s attack is comfortably one of the best in the world, even without Yamal.
Meanwhile, in their next Premier League clash, Newcastle face the long trip to Andoni Iraola’s in-form Bournemouth side on Sunday, 21 September.