Paris Saint-Germain host Newcastle United on Wednesday in a Champions League match that could secure an automatic spot in the round of 16 for the winner. Both teams sit on 13 points, with PSG in sixth after a recent defeat and Newcastle in seventh following a victory. Their head-to-head record favors the English side, who remain unbeaten in two prior meetings.
The upcoming Champions League encounter at Parc des Princes pits Paris Saint-Germain against Newcastle United, marking their third meeting in the competition. With both clubs tied on 13 points in the top eight of the league phase, the result will determine who advances directly to the knockout stage. PSG recently suffered a 2-1 loss to Sporting, while Newcastle secured a 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven on matchday seven.
Historically, Newcastle hold the edge. In October 2023, they stunned PSG with a 4-1 victory at St. James' Park, thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, and Fabian Schar—PSG's heaviest group-stage defeat since 2004. The return fixture in November 2023 ended in a 1-1 draw, with Alexander Isak scoring for Newcastle before a late Kylian Mbappe penalty salvaged a point for PSG. Those results saw Newcastle finish bottom of their group with five points, while PSG took second with eight.
Injuries complicate preparations for both sides. For PSG, manager Luis Enrique faces decisions around Achraf Hakimi, who is a game-time call after recent rest and prior injury issues. Other doubts include Matvey Safonov (hand), Lee Kang-in (thigh), Fabian Ruiz (knee), Joao Neves (muscle contusion), Quentin Ndjantou Mbitcha (hamstring), and Nuno Mendes (knock). Lucas Hernandez returns from suspension, potentially bolstering the defense alongside Marquinhos and Willian Pacho. A predicted PSG lineup features Chevalier in goal, with Zaire-Emery at right-back, and attackers Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, also contend with knocks to Jacob Murphy, Jamaal Lascelles, and Joelinton, plus hamstring issues for Tino Livramento. Fabian Schar and Bruno Guimaraes recover from ankle injuries, while Emil Krafth is sidelined with a knee problem. Harvey Barnes leads the scoring with five goals in the competition, likely partnering Anthony Gordon and Yoane Wissa up front. Nick Pope has been solid away, with one clean sheet in the phase. Newcastle's predicted XI includes Pope in goal, and midfielders Lewis Miley, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton.
With passage assured at minimum to the playoff round, both teams balance ambition with caution, mindful of suspensions looming for players like Joelinton, Malick Thiaw, and Dan Burn.
