Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United are set to clash in a pivotal Champions League match at Parc des Princes, both aiming to secure vital points for progression to the knockout stages.
Match Preview
In a fiercely contested Group F, PSG sits second with six points, closely followed by Newcastle, trailing by just two points after enduring defeats in their recent group outings.
A replication of Newcastle’s 4-1 triumph over PSG in October would see them leapfrog their esteemed opponents in the standings.
This season’s ‘Group of Death’ has kept the competition intense, with PSG, Newcastle, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund all separated by a mere three points.
With qualification for the last 16 on a knife-edge, each team controls their fate, as PSG eyes two wins to secure advancement.
Despite a formidable squad, PSG’s recent Champions League campaign faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to AC Milan, marking their second defeat in three group matches – a stark contrast to their prior 18 games.
Additionally, they suffered three consecutive away losses in Europe, a first since 2018.
Facing a rematch against Newcastle at home, PSG seeks redemption after their humbling 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park earlier this season.
Another stumble could jeopardize their standing in Group F, though their domestic form remains robust, securing seven wins in their last eight games.
Contrarily, Newcastle’s Premier League struggles, compounded by injuries, place them below the top five positions.
Despite back-to-back losses against Borussia Dortmund, a resounding 4-1 victory against Chelsea restored their confidence ahead of Champions League action.
While only trailing Dortmund by three points, Newcastle’s away European endeavors have been lackluster, failing to score on the road this season.
Historical stats also challenge them, having won just one of seven away games against Ligue 1 clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League form: WLWL
Paris Saint-Germain’s form (all competitions): WWWLWW
Newcastle United’s Champions League form: DWLL
Newcastle United’s form (all competitions): DWWLLW
Team News
PSG faces injury concerns with Warren Zaire-Emery joining the sidelined squad.
Marco Asensio, Nuno Mendes, Presnel Kimpembe, Danilo Pereira, and Marquinhos are among the key absentees, likely keeping the starting XI unchanged from their recent dominant win over Monaco.
Newcastle’s injury list includes Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, and Sandro Tonali, with Lewis Hall returning and Sean Longstaff aiming to recover from an ankle problem.
Alexander Isak leads the Magpies’ attack in Wilson’s absence.
Predicted Starting Lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain:(4-3-3)
Donnarumma;
Hakimi, Skriniar, Hernandez, Mukiele;
Ruiz, Ugarte, Vitinha;
Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Newcastle United:(4-3-3)
Pope;
Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Hall;
Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton;
Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Prediction
Despite injury setbacks on both sides, PSG holds the advantage, seeking redemption on their home turf.
- Our prediction: PSG 2-1 Newcastle United
