Newcastle United vs Bayer Leverkusen 15 August 2026 Prediction

Newcastle's penultimate test before the start of the Premier League season comes against Bayer Leverkusen. The teams met in Leverkusen during last winter's Champions League league phase and produced an entertaining 2-2 draw, although most of the goalscorers from that game have since left their clubs. This time, both sides are looking for new attacking leaders.

Newcastle Is Building a Younger Squad

Newcastle has had an unsettled summer. Eddie Howe began preseason as usual, but after three disappointing friendly results, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bristol City, the club decided to dismiss him. The new manager is 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle, who spent the previous three years with Al-Ahli. Under him, Newcastle came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 away from home after the Spanish side played more than half the match with 10 men, before losing 3-1 to Everton at a neutral venue. Newcastle used lineups close to full strength in both games, but scored only after making changes at halftime. Yoane Wissa struck twice against Valencia, while Harvey Barnes scored the consolation goal against Everton.

Newcastle has sold three major players for significant fees this summer: Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimaraes. Bazoumana Toure was signed to replace Gordon after an impressive first full season at a high level, recording five goals and nine assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances. Central midfield has been refreshed with Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur. Both are promising, but young and inexperienced. New signing Lukas Hornicek is also expected to start in goal. The goalkeeper from the Czech Republic conceded three times against Everton, but impressed at Braga last season, keeping 24 clean sheets in 55 appearances.

Bayer's Winning Run Ended in England

Bayer Leverkusen also changed managers, but made the decision immediately after its hopes of qualifying for the Champions League ended. The club began a new chapter under Carles Martinez. Leverkusen opened preseason with five consecutive wins. Victories over lower-division opponents offered limited information, but the 4-0 win over Genk and 2-1 victory against Sevilla were much more encouraging. That run finally ended in the first game of the English tour, when Bayer lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest.

The coaching staff has used both Martinez's preferred 3-4-3 and a back-four system during preseason, showing a willingness to adjust to different opponents and game situations. Patrick Schick has been in excellent form. The Czech forward returned early from his post-World Cup vacation and has scored four goals across his last three friendlies.

Bayer has lost two important players during the current transfer window. Piero Hincapie had already left on loan last season, while the team is only now adjusting to the departure of Alejandro Grimaldo. Miguel Gutierrez was signed as his replacement, although the Spaniard is not yet an obvious like-for-like solution after arriving as a backup player from Napoli. Bayer also added Facundo Medina and Afonso Moreira from Ligue 1. Medina could make his debut in this match, most likely from the bench, while Moreira is already match fit and has scored three preseason goals.

Newcastle vs Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup

Newcastle (4-3-3): Hornicek; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Steur, Willock; Elanga, Woltemade, Toure

Unavailable: Schar, Livramento (both injured)

Manager: Matthias Jaissle

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3): Flekken; Eermann, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Fernandez, Garcia, Gutierrez; Hofmann, Schick, Moreira

Unavailable: Quansah, Andrich, Eichhorn, Culbreath, Ben Seghir (all injured); Palacios, Tella (both doubtful)

Manager: Carles Martinez

Newcastle vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen Double Chance (X2)

Main prediction: Newcastle has gone through major changes in the middle of preseason. Several leaders have left and been replaced by younger players with no Premier League experience, while there has also been a managerial change. Friendly results are not the main priority, but they still provide some indication of the team's current condition. Newcastle was heavily beaten by Bristol City with a strong lineup and avoided a bigger defeat to Everton only late in the game. The comeback against Valencia was also helped significantly by the numerical advantage. Bayer has kept most of its core intact, increased competition in several positions, and shown more consistent performances under its new manager. Our pick is Bayer Leverkusen Double Chance (X2) at odds of 1.67.

Totals prediction: Newcastle has repeatedly started games poorly, conceding nine goals across its last four friendlies, all before the 36th minute. The team went into halftime trailing in each of those matches. Bayer, meanwhile, has scored at least twice in five of its last six games. This is Leverkusen's final test before returning home and beginning the competitive season, so a strong approach is likely. Our pick is Bayer Leverkusen over 1.5 team goals at odds of 2.14.