In their return to top-tier European competition, Eddie Howe's team had a tough but goalless draw against AC Milan in their first match. On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0. Newcastle displayed their solid defensive skills at San Siro against AC Milan, frustrating the Rossoneri despite their efforts.
In fact, Marco Sportiello, the stand-in goalkeeper, made some crucial saves to secure a valuable point. Since that match, Newcastle has continued to show resilience in defense and currently sits in second place in Group F.
Newcastle enters Wednesday's game in excellent form, having won three consecutive matches in September with a total of nine goals scored, including a record-breaking victory over Sheffield United and an EFL Cup win against Manchester City. They recently defeated Burnley 2-0 with goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak, extending their streak of clean sheets to five matches in all competitions since their loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle's home record has been impressive, with only five competitive defeats since the beginning of 2022, three of which were against Liverpool. Wednesday's game marks the return of Champions League football to St James' Park for the first time since August 2003 when Sir Bobby Robson's team was eliminated in a penalty shootout against Partizan.
Paris Saint-Germain, despite their star-studded lineup and recent appointment of Luis Enrique as head coach, no longer strike fear into their opponents as they once did. They did have a statement 4-0 win over Marseille, but they have dropped points in four out of seven Ligue 1 games this season, currently sitting in fifth place in the standings. Their defensive record has improved, with three consecutive clean sheets, and they remain unbeaten in nine away games since their loss to Bayern Munich seven months ago.
However, Paris Saint-Germain has struggled defensively in the Champions League, with 13 consecutive away games without a clean sheet. Their last clean sheet away from home in the competition was against Istanbul Basaksehir in October 2020. With only two wins in their last nine European away matches, Newcastle fans have reasons to be optimistic as their team faces the Parisian giants for the first time in a competitive match.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
The Newcastle medical team has been quite busy lately, dealing with various injuries, some more serious than others. Harvey Barnes, who has an ankle issue, Joe Willock with an Achilles problem, and Sven Botman nursing a knee injury are all expected to miss Wednesday's high-profile match. Callum Wilson is likely to be unavailable due to a hamstring problem, and although Joelinton had to leave the field with a thigh strain during the Burnley game, manager Eddie Howe is optimistic that it's not a severe injury.However, the quick turnaround time between matches might not favor Joelinton's chances of a speedy recovery. Additionally, Anthony Gordon is suspended for Newcastle's next Premier League match against West Ham United but is available to step in for the injured Harvey Barnes in this match.
On the other side, PSG's star player Kylian Mbappe played the full 90 minutes against Clermont after overcoming an ankle scare. However, their promising left-back Nuno Mendes had to undergo surgery for a hamstring problem and won't be back on the field until 2024. Marco Asensio, dealing with a foot issue, and Presnel Kimpembe, recovering from an Achilles problem, are also in the medical bay. Goalkeeper Sergio Rico is still on the path to recovery from a head trauma, but Keylor Navas has overcome a lower back problem and is available.
After a lackluster performance over the weekend, PSG's manager Luis Enrique is likely to bring in players like Manuel Ugarte and the young sensation Warren Zaire-Emery to bolster the midfield. Bradley Barcola is expected to make way for the returning Lucas Hernandez in the lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Tonali, Guimaraes; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Vitinha, Ugarte, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle United 2-3 Paris Saint Germain
The passionate St James' Park atmosphere is sure to add to the intimidation factor for the French champions. Nevertheless, despite PSG's recent inconsistent form, containing players like Mbappe and his teammates might prove to be a challenging task for a Newcastle team dealing with injuries.
