PSG v Newcastle United: Match Preview & Prediction

Nothing other than a win tonight for Newcastle will guarantee a top 8 finish and automatic progress through to the last 16 of the Champions League. It's a massive task against the current CL Cup holders - what are Newcastle's chances of pulling it off?

Current Form: Paris St-Germain & Newcastle United

PSG and Newcastle both have 13pts from their seven games and both teams have already qualified for the last 16 play off places.

PSG: With five successive league wins PSG are top of the French League with only two defeats in nineteen games this season.

Their CL form however has not been as good as expected, even though they have won in Barcelona and scored seven against Leverkusen. Their otherwise commanding displays have been undermined by defensive mistakes and poor finishing. This is not the the ruthlessly efficient PSG side that lifted the cup last season.

Newcastle United: Eddie Howe's side are another team whose form across the season, especially in the Premier League, has been way below expectations. Inconsistency and a failure to rack up points against teams that are destined to finish in the bottom half of the table has left fans concerned.

After a run of four successive wins Newcastle have now lost the first leg of the LC to Manchester City, failed to beat bottom of the table Wolves, and were outplayed at home in a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Team News: Newcastle United

Joelinton won't start after sustaining an injury against Aston Villa, Bruno is a doubt, and although now in the squad Dan Burn is unlikely to be risked. Jacob Murphy should be back in contention.

Eddie Howe is likely to field a strong starting eleven in an attempt to win the game and prevent two play off matches further stretching an energy sapping season.

The back four is predicted to be the same as against Villa. In midfield Miley will replace Jo and Jacob Ramsey may be called up if Bruno doesn't start.

Eddie Howe has to choose again between Wissa and Woltemade who could be paired with any two of Gordon, Barnes, Murphy and Elanga. Whoever Eddie selects the front three collectively need to perform at a far higher level than we have seen recently if they are take advantage of PSG's issues in defence.

Match Prediction

If Bruno and Jo are out it could be a long night of low possession for Newcastle. Even if Bruno plays, Tonali has to get back to his best form and Miley needs to rise to the occasion as Newcastle will be up against a top quality and highly mobile PSG midfield.

Giving possession away easily invites pressure from any side but against PSG in the Parc des Princes, with the home crowd baying for a win and last 16 qualification, it could spell the end of Newcastle's automatic last 16 hopes.

The game will be more open than in the Premier League and that will give Newcastle's wingers the chance to use their pace and get in behind the PSG defence. If Newcastle can get accurate and early crosses into the box Woltemade's aerial ability, if he plays, could be the weapon that PSG are unable to defend against.

If Wissa starts, the wingers cannot continue to stay out wide and leave him isolated in the middle. They have to move inside, support him and deliver the passes between the CB's that Wissa thrives on.

My head says PSG will win this comfortably by two or three goals, especially if both Bruno and Jo are out. A draw away to the Champions would normally be a great result but in reality it doesn't improve our position.

However, no result ever truly surprises Newcastle fans - so I'll predict a 2-1 win.

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