Neck and neck in Group F with five points each, the Magpies currently hold a slight advantage over the Rossoneri in goal difference. However, both teams still depend on results elsewhere to secure their places in Europe's top-tier competition.
The VAR controversy surfaced in Newcastle's recent clash against Paris Saint-Germain, where an Alexander Isak goal had them on the brink of a historic win. Unfortunately, a late penalty awarded to PSG due to a contentious handball denied Newcastle three points in a dramatic and controversial fashion.
Despite recent setbacks in the Premier League against Everton and Tottenham Hot
spur, where Newcastle suffered consecutive losses by a combined score of 7-1, the Magpies have a solid track record at St James' Park. Eight of their last nine home matches in all competitions have seen them emerge victorious. Eddie Howe's team faces a crucial moment, navigating through injuries that have limited their options.
For Newcastle, a win on Wednesday, coupled with PSG failing to beat already-qualified Borussia Dortmund, would secure their passage to the next round. Any other outcome could see them drop to Europa League football or exit the competition entirely.
AC Milan, led by coach Stefano Pioli, has also grappled with injuries, making their journey to the last 16 more challenging. A disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund added complexity to Milan's situation. They currently sit at the bottom of the 'group of death' rankings.
Newcastle could advance with a win and a PSG draw, but Milan must secure victory at St James' Park and hope Dortmund defeats PSG to sneak into the second last-16 spot. Both teams are in a must-win situation.
Milan's recent Serie A clash with Atalanta BC ended in a heartbreaking five-goal thriller, with a late goal by Luis Muriel sealing the win for Atalanta. Milan has struggled on the road, conceding 10 goals in their last four away games. However, their maiden meeting with Newcastle in September ended in a goalless draw at San Siro, where the Magpies faced a barrage of shots but secured a point.
With both teams needing a victory in Tyneside, a goalless draw seems unlikely to repeat on Wednesday.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
While Eddie Howe might prefer to put Newcastle's recent disappointing loss to Tottenham behind him, there's some positive news on the injury front. Both Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff made appearances off the bench, marking a significant double injury boost for the Magpies after their respective layoffs.However, the injury list for Newcastle remains quite extensive, with several key players still sidelined. In addition to the banned Sandro Tonali, the absentees include Nick Pope (shoulder), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Dan Burn (back), Elliot Anderson (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Sven Botman (knee), Joe Willock (calf), Matt Targett (thigh), and Javi Manquillo (groin). Martin Dubravka is also uncertain due to a back concern, with Loris Karius on standby.
While Callum Wilson's return may not immediately threaten Alexander Isak's position at the forefront of the attack, Sean Longstaff could potentially make a return to the midfield, possibly displacing 17-year-old Lewis Miley, who has impressed in recent weeks amid the team's fitness challenges.
On the Milan side, their medical team has been dealing with their fair share of injuries. Defenders Malick Thiaw (hamstring) and Pierre Kalulu (tendon) are expected to remain out until 2024. The absences of Marco Pellegrino (heel) and Simon Kjaer (muscle) have left Fikayo Tomori as Milan's sole fit central defender. Theo Hernandez is likely to provide emergency cover, with Alessandro Florenzi taking his place at left-back.
Goalkeeper Marco Sportiello (calf) is also on the injury list for the Rossoneri. However, there is a major boost with winger Rafael Leao expected to be fit for the trip to England, likely displacing Christian Pulisic to the bench. Noah Okafor is back as well, but he is likely to take a place on the substitutes' bench.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders, Musah; Chukwueze, Giroud, Leao
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle 2-1 AC Milan
When faced with challenges at St James' Park, Newcastle consistently rises to the occasion. Going up against a Milan side with just one fit central defender is precisely the opportunity the beleaguered Magpies need.
Milan, with their eyes on advancing to the last-16, aims to exploit Newcastle's ongoing injury struggles. The optimism for Pioli's side stems from Newcastle's recent Premier League outcomes. However, backed by the lively support from the Tyneside faithful, it's easy to imagine the Magpies prevailing in an exciting contest, leading to an eagerly anticipated wait to determine their fate.
