Newcastle have not lost any of their previous eight encounters with Belgian opposition, beating Royal Antwerp 5-0 in 1994, Sporting Lokeren 4-0 in 2001 and Zulte Waregem 3-1 in 2007 on the road, most-recently held to a 2-2 draw by Club Brugge 13 years ago.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise have won their only previous home game against English opposition, beating Liverpool 2-1 two seasons ago.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle preview
Newcastle United's season is yet to truly spark into life, so can they put three precious Champions League points on the board in Brussels? On matchday one, despite the usual raucous Tyneside atmosphere, the Magpies were ultimately beaten 2-1 by Barcelona at St James' Park.
Meantime, in the Premier League, Eddie Howe's side have still only one once, beating bottom of the table Wolves 1-0 at home, with all three of their away games finishing goalless, the first time in English top flight history any team has done that. Last time out on Sunday, the Magpies looked set to claim yet another home win over Arsenal, Nick Woltemade's towering header breaking the deadlock, only to concede twice in the final five minutes, the Gunners' winner coming deep into stoppage time. Having previously conceded an 100th minute winner against Liverpool, that really was a sickener.
Now turning their attention back to the Champions League, after crashing out in the group stages two seasons ago, the Toon Army are determined to enjoy a more elongated continental escapade this time round. After this, their remaining away games are against Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen and PSG, while welcoming Benfica, Athletic and PSV to Tyneside, meaning every point counts, so will Howe's team collect one or all three points in the Belgian capital on Wednesday evening?
While Newcastle ended their 70 year wait for domestic silverware earlier this year, hosts Royale Union Saint-Gilloise were crowned champions of Belgium for the first time in 90 years, clinching the title at Club Brugge's expense on the final day. Les Unionistes are again top of the Jupiler Pro League right now, still unbeaten, winning seven out of nine to date, most-recently overcoming Westerlo 2-0 on Saturday, thanks to second half goals from Promise Akinpelu and then Marc Giger.
In Europe meantime, Union SG have featured in the Europa League group stages in each of the last three seasons, having not competed on the continent since 1964 beforehand, their best run seeing them to the quarter-finals. Now, Sébastien Pocognoli's side are competing in the Champions League for the very first time, certainly making a flying start, beating PSV Eindhoven 3-1 away from home on matchday one. Promise David broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, Anouar Ait El Hadj added a second on the cusp of half time, before Kevin Mac Allister was left home alone in the six yard box and was able to bundle home a third. USG will later face Inter, Atlético Madrid, Marseille and Bayern, amongst others, so making a fast start was always going to be key to their hopes of progression.
Interestingly, because their usual home Stade Joseph Marien does not meet UEFA requirements, all of Union SG's European home matches will take place at Stade Constant Vanden Stock, the home of their fierce rivals Anderlecht. So, can they make it feel like home by claim the scalp of Newcastle?
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Union Saint-Gilloise team news
Attacking midfielder Anouar Ait El Hadj, who scored in Eindhoven a fortnight ago, sat out the weekend win due to a knock, but is expected to be fit in time for this one.
Sébastien Pocognoli's side operate out of a back three, led by English captain Christian Burgess, who played for Boro, Peterborough, Pompey and others before making the switch to Belgium. He'll be alongside compatriot Ross Sykes as well as Kevin Mac Allister, brother of Liverpool's Alexis.
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (3-4-1-2): Scherpen; Sykes, Burgess, Mac Allister; Khalaily, Rasmussen, Zorgane, Niang; El Hadj, Rodríguez, David.
Union Saint-Gilloise player to watch vs Newcastle
Canadian international Promise David's goal at the weekend took his tally to five for the season already, having bagged 24 last year, so can he make it two in two in the Champions League?
Newcastle team news
Eddie Howe is still without Yoane Wissa, who is yet to debut after picking up an injury on international duty, but Fabian Schär can return, after suffering a concussion against Barcelona. Although, in his place, new signing Malick Thiaw was excellent against Arsenal, so is likely to keep his place.
Either Kieran Trippier or Lewis Hall will return at full-back, after Dan Burn was deployed there on Sunday, while, concerningly, Tino Livramento seemed to suffer a rather nasty injury, which would be a massive blow. Further forward, Anthony Elanga could return in place of Jacob Murphy in attack.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise: (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Newcastle player to watch vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Nick Woltemade has now scored two goals in two Premier League appearances at St James' Park, both towering headers. Having been surprisingly left on the bench against Barcelona, the German international will surely start this time, so will he continue his recent scoring spree?
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle prediction
All three of Newcastle's away games this season have ended 0-0, so we're forecasting another low-scoring draw in Brussels, as this one is tough to call: Union Saint-Gilloise 1-1 Newcastle United.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United in the Champions League on TV channel?
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2.
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN USA & Univision NOW
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United in the Champions League on live streaming?
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+, TUDN.com & UniMás
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United in the Champions League?
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United takes place on Wednesday 1 October 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (BST), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PDT).