Nightmare for Athletic Bilbao ahead of Newcastle clash

Away form has been a hot topic in recent weeks, with Newcastle's poor record on the road well documented both before and after Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Having done a bit of research for our preview podcast, I looked into Athletic Bilbao's recent form and away form in particular, and it wasn't pretty.

They've lost 10 of the last 12 on the road, winning just one, and have suffered five defeats and two draws in their last eight games in all competitions, leaving them 11th in La Liga and the fifth-lowest scorers in the league.

However, things have gone from bad to worse for the Spaniards ahead of their trip to Tyneside, with their official 23-man squad highlighting a number of major absences.

Star man Nico Williams has not travelled as he battles a hernia issue, meaning Spain's left winger and Bilbao's biggest danger man will not be in action tonight.

Brother and Bilbao captain Inaki Williams is also missing, as is attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has been tentatively linked with a move to Tyneside over the past few months.

Full-back Yuri Berchiche is also out, as is powerful striker Maroan Sannadi, midfielder Benat Prados, and centre-back Yeray Alvarez, who has been handed a 10-month ban by UEFA after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

So, given their recent form, two defeat in their three Champions League games and long list of injury issues, tonight feels like a big opportunity to get another win under our belts.

A few Bilbao stats discussed on yesterday's @NUFCblogcast episode:

📉 Currently 11th in La Liga
❌ 1 win in 8 (L5, D2, W1)
😬 Lost 10 of last 12 away
⚽️ 5th lowest scorers in La Liga
⭐️ Lost 2 of 3 UCL games

Considering injuries & form, #NUFC should be beating them tomorrow. https://t.co/DGC1bVJvwn

— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) November 4, 2025