Newcastle vs PSG preview
It will be an iconic matchup when Paris Saint Germain will travel to St. James Park to face Newcastle United. Both clubs owe their rise to the top to substantial investment after the change in the club’s ownership. However, Newcastle United are still miles behind PSG, who had a ten-year headstart over the English club.
Newcastle United finished fourth in the league to earn a place in the Champions League. However, luck didn’t favour them as they were drawn in the toughest group of the competition alongside PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. While they escaped with a point in the first game against AC Milan, the Italians completely dominated the 90 minutes.
However, facing PSG will be the biggest challenge they will face. Eddie Howe’s men have blown hot and cold this season, winning four and losing three in the Premier League. While they have had impressive wins, such as the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United and the 5-1 destruction of Aston Villa. At the same time they have lost at home against ten-man Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion. This inconsistency is the biggest headache that Howe is currently facing.
Meanwhile, PSG have also stuttered at the start of the Ligue 1. Luis Enrique’s men are currently fifth in the league, winning three, drawing three, and losing one. However, despite this, they are only two points behind league leaders AS Monaco.
After years of spending big bucks to sign the biggest stars, PSG have altered their strategy this season. Instead of choosing to sign young, talented players, they let go of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. instead opting for players such as Manuel Ugarte and Randal Kolo Muani to start a new era.
Even club President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has put his faith in Enrique and has urged patience from the PSG fans. Will this new strategy help them finally win the elusive Champions League trophy? It remains to be seen, but PSG do have the resources to achieve that feat.
Newcastle United vs PSG lineups
Newcastle United lineup
Newcastle United go into the game with several injuries, the most important being Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman, who have played an integral part in the team’s campaign. However, Howe has capable replacements for the duo. Callum Wilson and Joelinton are also nursing minor injuries but are expected to be fit in time for the clash.
In the absence of Botman, Jamaal Lascelles will join Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier, and Dan Burn in the backline ahead of Nick Pope. Sean Longstaff, who has elevated his game this season, will start in midfield, putting in the hard yards and allowing freedom to Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali to take on the creative duties. Antony Gordon will replace Barnes in the attack, partnering Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle predicted lineup: Pope; Burn, Lascelles, Schar, Trippier; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Gordon, Isak, Almiron
PSG predicted lineup
PSG are also without the services of Marco Asensio, Presnel Kimpembe, Sergio Rico, and Nuno Mendes. Out of this, Rico and Mendes are out for a long time. Their squad depth, however, will help them cover for their absence.
Kylian Mbappe played in Ligue 1 over the weekend, marking his return from an injury which will provide a sharp edge in the attack. With both Rico and Keylor Navas out with injuries, Gianluigi Donnarumma will start. In the absence of Mendes, Lucas Hernandez will have to deliver his best.
The biggest test will be for the young midfield trio of Vitinha, new signing Manuel Ugarte, and academy product Warren Zaire Emery. These three players are a clear indication of the club’s new policy of developing young players, and the trio will be tasked with creating chances for Ousmane Dembele, Kolo Muani, and Mbappe.
PSG predicted lineup: Donnarumma; Hernandez, Skriniar, Marquinhos, Hakimi; Vitinha, Ugarte, Zaire-Emery; Kolo Muani, Mbappe, Dembele
Newcastle vs PSG prediction
Newcastle United have been handed perhaps the most arduous trial on their return to the Champions League. And while they have a brilliant squad, the Champions League is a tournament where experience has played a critical role. And PSG have a decade of experience in it, which will help them in the clash.
On the other hand, Newcastle United looked lost against AC Milan, and PSG are a far tougher competitor. And Enrique’s men look likely to take all three points.
FootTheBall predicts a 2-1 win for PSG.
