Champions League football is returning to St. James’ Park on Wednesday as Newcastle welcome Ligue 1 champions PSG for Group F matchday-two clash, with kickoff slated for 19:45 GMT.
Key Highlights
Can Newcastle Balance Solidity and Attack Against PSG?
After the uninspiring 0-0 draw away to AC Milan on matchday one, the question facing Eddie Howe and Newcastle is whether they can balance their solidity with an attacking approach that can win games in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe will attempt to get a better balance in front of the home supporters when they entertain PSG.
Can PSG Afford to Go Attacking Away to Newcastle?
PSG’s attacking play underscores the danger they pose to their opponents.
However, against a solid and counter-attacking side like Newcastle that are comfortable ceding possession, Luis Enrique will have to devise an alternative strategy to combat this challenge on Wednesday.
Injury Report
Newcastle
Eddie Howe will be without a few players ahead of the crunch clash at home to PSG on Wednesday.
Central midfielder Joe Willock is nursing a hamstring injury he suffered on August 1st. He has been sidelined in the last nine Newcastle matches. The 24-year-old is not expected to be fit in time for the visit of the French champions.
Bet hereAnother central midfielder, Joelington, is also sidelined with a knee injury. The 27-year-old has been out since September 13th and has missed 5 matches for Eddie Howe’s side.
Left winger and summer signing Harvey Barnes is struggling with a foot injury he suffered on September 24th. The 25-year-old has missed the last three outings by Newcastle, and he is unlikely to make it into the squad for the PSG match.
Sven Botman is struggling with a knee injury since September 28th. He has missed one match for Eddie Howe’s side. The 23-year-old is facing a race to be fit for Wednesday’s kickoff against PSG.
PSG
Luis Enrique will look to make it two wins out of two in Group F when they visit Newcastle on Wednesday. He will have to deal with absentees from the first team due to injury.
Nuno Mendes, the PSG left-back, is struggling with a hamstring injury. The long-term injury absentee, who has missed the last 30 PSG matches, will not be available for the trip to Newcastle. The 21-year-old is scheduled to return to training by February 1, 2024.
Goalkeeper Sergio Rico is also out with a brain hemorrhage. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since May 28th and has missed 9 PSG matches so far.
Summer signing from Real Madrid, Marco Asensio, is also a doubt for the St. James’ Park trip. The Spaniard has been sidelined with an unknown injury since September 8th and has missed the last four PSG outings.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle
N. Pope; K. Trippier, J. Lascelles, F. Schar, D. Burn; S. Longstaff, B. Guimaraes, E. Anderson; M. Almiron, A. Isak, A. Gordon
PSG
G. Donnarumma; A. Hakimi, Marquinhos, M. Skriniar, L. Hernandez; W. Zaire-Emery, M. Ugarte, Vitinha; O. Dembele, R. Kolo Muani, K. Mbappe
Prediction
Eddie Howe will be desperate for Newcastle to win their first Champions League clash back at St. James’ Park. The gaffer is likely to prioritize solidity at the back and compactness in midfield to eliminate the half-spaces and the gaps behind the back for midfield runners.
Luis Enrique will look to dominate the ball and control the match’s tempo. They will use possession to force Newcastle back and force them into errors as they attack in waves.
Newcastle will have the home advantage in front of the home supporters; however, PSG have the quality and experience in European football.
PSG will win away from home and make it two consecutive wins at the start of their Group F campaign.
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