Both teams suffered losses in their last Group F fixtures, leaving PSG in second place with six points, just two ahead of Newcastle. A repeat of their 4-1 victory in October would propel the Magpies above their esteemed hosts in the standings.
The 'Group of Death,' featuring PSG, Newcastle, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund, is gearing up for a tense finish, with qualification potentially going down to the wire. With only three points separating the four teams, each holds their fate in their hands, and PSG knows that two wins in their final two matches would secure their spot in the last 16.
Despite their current position, PSG faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Milan earlier this month, where goals from Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao overturned Milan Skriniar's early opener at San Siro. This loss marked PSG's second in their last three Champions League group games, and they have suffered three consecutive away defeats in the competition for the first time since 2018.
Heading into the rematch with Newcastle, PSG is under pressure to avoid another stumble that could jeopardize their top-two spot in Group F. However, they enter the match on the back of strong domestic form, with a 5-2 victory against Monaco that saw Captain Kylian Mbappe on target from the penalty spot. PSG has won seven of their last eight matches, scoring at least three goals in each victory.
In contrast, Newcastle faces challenges in the Premier League, struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances, placing them below the crucial top five. Despite back-to-back defeats against Borussia Dortmund, they gained confidence with a remarkable 4-1 win against Chelsea over the weekend.
Currently, Newcastle is three points behind Group F leaders Dortmund, and to advance to the last 16, they likely need victories in both remaining games. However, they have yet to score away from home in Europe this season, and their historical record against Ligue 1 clubs is not in their favor, having won just one of seven away games and none since November 2004.
As they face PSG in Paris, the Magpies will need to overcome both current challenges and historical odds to secure a positive result.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
While Newcastle's manager faces challenges due to several player absences, Luis Enrique has also dealt with injuries affecting his high-priced squad, with the latest setback being the absence of teenage sensation Warren Zaire-Emery from the Paris Saint-Germain lineup.Zaire-Emery, who recently had to leave the field during his senior international debut, joins a list of sidelined PSG players, including Marco Asensio (foot), Nuno Mendes (hamstring), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Danilo Pereira, and Marquinhos (both hamstring).
Given these constraints, the starting XI for the hosts is likely to see minimal changes from the lineup that dominated Monaco on Friday. A formidable attacking trio comprising Ousmane Dembele, Goncalo Ramos, and Kylian Mbappe is expected to challenge Newcastle's makeshift defense.
Mbappe, in particular, has a strong track record against English clubs in the Champions League, being directly involved in seven goals in 12 games, with five goals and two assists.
On the other side, Eddie Howe's injury woes persist, with Sven Botman (knee), Dan Burn, and Elliot Anderson (both back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Joe Willock (Achilles), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Callum Wilson, and Matt Targett (both hamstring) all unavailable. Additionally, Sandro Tonali is suspended, but on-loan left-back Lewis Hall returns after being ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea. Sean Longstaff aims to overcome an ankle problem.
In the absence of Wilson, Alexander Isak leads Newcastle's attack, with support from Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron, the latter having scored in the previous 4-1 victory over PSG in October.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Paris Saint-Germain possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Skriniar, Hernandez, Mukiele; Ruiz, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
EXPERT PREDICTION
PSG 3-1 Newcastle United
Seeking payback for their earlier defeat in England, PSG will look to dominate Newcastle on their home turf. Newcastle hasn't shown strong performances on the road, and PSG is hitting peak form, making for a potentially entertaining showdown.
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