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Newcastle vs. PSG: A Battle of Titans in the Champions League

By | Published on October 4, 2023

As Champions League soccer returns to St. James’ Park, Newcastle United will face off against Paris Saint-Germain in Group F. This momentous occasion marks the first time in 20 years that Europe’s top-tier cup competition has come to Tyneside, providing a thrilling matchup between two teams with contrasting histories in continental football.

Newcastle, managed by Eddie Howe, opened their UCL campaign with a goalless draw against AC Milan. The Magpies have been in impressive form lately, securing three consecutive wins in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup match against Manchester City. Notably, they have not conceded a single goal in their last five games. Confidence is high, and Howe is eager to see the impact of the home atmosphere on his team’s performance.

On the other side, PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, started their season with a convincing 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund. The Parisiens are no strangers to the Champions League, having participated in the competition for the past 12 years. They will look to secure a second straight win and establish an early lead over their rivals in Group F.

High Stakes Encounter

While this matchup may seem like another routine UCL game for PSG, the stakes are higher than usual. The storylines surrounding the hosts’ Saudi Arabian owners and the visitors’ Qatari paymasters add an intriguing dimension to the clash. For PSG, playing against a team that has returned to this level after a two-decade absence makes it a crucial game, as they seek to assert their dominance and showcase their quality against a resurgent Newcastle side.

Luis Enrique acknowledges the challenge ahead, recognizing Newcastle as a team that functions well and possesses a strong philosophy. The last time he faced Newcastle in the Champions League, he experienced their formidable team and passionate supporters firsthand. The match ended in a 3-2 defeat for PSG, leaving a lasting impression of the intensity and competitiveness that Newcastle brings to the table. Enrique and his players are fully aware that underestimating Newcastle would be a grave mistake, given their quality and the support of their fans.

Excitement Builds at St. James’ Park

Eddie Howe is relishing the prospect of playing in front of the home crowd, expressing his anticipation for a memorable night. He believes the fans will create an electrifying atmosphere, providing the players with positivity, noise, enthusiasm, and love for the game. Howe emphasizes the importance of channeling this energy effectively on the pitch and striking a balance between emotional intensity and tactical discipline. The Newcastle manager’s words reflect the sense of unity and togetherness that he has instilled in his team.

Team News and Key Players

Both teams come into this encounter with a few injury concerns. Newcastle could be without Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, and Sven Botman, while Callum Wilson and Joelinton require assessment ahead of kick-off. However, Anthony Gordon is expected to feature, replacing the suspended Barnes. Meanwhile, PSG will have to cope without Nuno Mendes, Marco Asensio, and Presnel Kimpembe, who are all sidelined due to injuries. Keylor Navas, despite a recent back issue, has been included in the squad. Expect Kylian Mbappe to lead the charge for PSG, while Newcastle will rely on the attacking prowess of Joelinton and the creativity of Miguel Almiron.

Prediction

While Newcastle‘s recent form and defensive solidity make them a tough opponent, PSG‘s experience and quality should shine through. As the French champions aim to assert their dominance early on in the group stage, I predict a 2-0 victory for PSG. However, the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park and Newcastle‘s determination to make a statement could make this a closely contested match with plenty of excitement.

Sources: CBS Sports