Paris Saint Germain vs Newcastle United

Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United renew acquaintances in the UEFA Champions League as the league phase reaches its conclusion, with both sides looking to protect their place inside the top eight and secure direct qualification for the round of 16. The two clubs are level on 13 points, with Paris sitting sixth and Newcastle seventh in the standings. Both have already guaranteed progression to the knockout phase play-offs, but the stakes remain high, as a win would remove any uncertainty and avoid an extra play-off tie on the road to the latter stages. Their recent European history adds extra spice. The sides last met in the 2023/24 group stage, when Newcastle recorded a famous 4-1 victory at St James’ Park. Dan Burn and Fabian Schär were both on target, while Lucas Hernández scored Paris’ only goal on a memorable night in the northeast. The return fixture at the Parc des Princes ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kylian Mbappé rescuing a point from the penalty spot in added time after Alexander Isak had given Newcastle the lead. Paris have since strengthened their reputation against English opposition. A 5-3 home win over Tottenham Hotspur on Matchday 5 this season made it five victories in their last seven Champions League matches against Premier League clubs (D1 L1), with the French side unbeaten in their last four. At the Parc des Princes, Paris have won four of their last five European matches against English teams, underlining the challenge facing Eddie Howe’s side. A 4—3—3 formation with Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola in attack is expected against the Magpies.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 away to Marseille on Matchday 5 and have historically found trips to France difficult. They have won only four of their 16 UEFA competition matches against French clubs (D5 L7), with defeat in Marseille marking a fifth loss in their last nine away games against Ligue 1 opposition. Newcastle are enjoying their best Champions League campaign to date. This is only their fourth appearance in the competition proper and their first time reaching the knockout rounds. A 3-0 home win against PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 7 continued an impressive run of form, with four wins in their last six league phase matches without conceding a goal (D1 L1). Anthony Gordon has been central to that success, his goal against PSV taking him to six in seven Champions League appearances this season. He is expected to form part of the attacking trio in Howe’s 4—3—3 formation. Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes will also team up with Gordon.