Paris Saint-Germain will host Newcastle United at Parc des Princes on January 28 in the final matchday of the 2025-26 Champions League league phase. The defending champions need a victory to boost their chances of a top-eight finish and direct entry into the round of 16. Newcastle, facing a tough away record, aims to secure their progression amid a demanding schedule.
Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off clinching the Champions League title last season with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Munich, face a critical test against Newcastle United. The French side, managed by Luis Enrique, sit sixth in the league phase standings entering Matchday 8 and require three points to avoid the knockout playoffs. Their campaign has included a home defeat to Bayern Munich, a loss at Sporting CP, and a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao, despite topping Ligue 1 after recent domestic success marred by a surprise loss to Paris FC.
Newcastle arrive in Paris for what Eddie Howe has called a pivotal week, following this fixture with a Premier League trip to Liverpool and an EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester City, where they trail 2-0. The Magpies have struggled on the road, securing just two Premier League away wins and one in the Champions League this season. Currently ninth in the Premier League and five points from a top-four spot, they are projected to finish 13th in the league phase per Opta, likely entering playoffs.
Team news offers hope for PSG with Achraf Hakimi potentially returning from AFCON, and João Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Nuno Mendes training. New signing Dro Fernandez is unavailable. Newcastle face midfield concerns over Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, both doubtful after missing a recent game, while Jacob Murphy, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, and Jamaal Lascelles remain sidelined.
Predicted lineups see PSG in a 4-3-3 with Chevalier in goal, Hakimi at right-back, and attackers Kvaratskhelia, Barcola, and Dembele leading the line. Newcastle could line up with Pope in net, Trippier at right-back, and forwards Barnes, Gordon, and Wissa. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. UK time, broadcast on TNT Sports and streamable via discovery+.
Stats highlight PSG's recent vulnerability, losing two of their last four Champions League matches, and Newcastle's poor record against French sides away, with only one win in nine attempts. Betting odds favor PSG at -185 on the moneyline, with a total of 3.5 goals. Both teams have already qualified for the knockout stage but seek to bypass the playoffs.
