Newcastle United host Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League match at St James’ Park in over 20 years on Wednesday evening.
Eddie Howe’s men marked their return to Europe’s elite competition with a hard-fought goalless stalemate away to AC Milan on matchday one. Since then, they have beaten Sheffield United, Manchester City (Carabao Cup) and Burnley, scoring 11 goals and conceding none in the process.
The Magpies appear a rejuvenated side and will look to get their first win of the Champions League campaign by beating PSG, who beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home on matchday one.
Newcastle United Team News
Harvey Barnes (ankle), Sven Botman (knee) and Joe Willock (Achilles) are all set to miss Wednesday’s appealing tie.
Joelinton went down with a hamstring problem after coming off the bench against Burnley at the weekend and was not pictured in training today. He has been rated touch and go for the fixture with a late fitness test on the table for him.
Callum Wilson is getting closer to a return but is unlikely to make it in time for the PSG game.
Sandro Tonali’s absence from training raised a few alarm bells but Howe allayed any fear, declaring him available for the game.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs PSG (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope has kept five consecutive clean sheets across all formats since Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat to Brighton last month. He is high on confidence and will be keen to make it six clean sheets in a row on Wednesday.
Defence
In front of Pope, a strong Newcastle back four could consist of Kieran Trippier, Jamal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
Lascelles has deputised well for the injured Botman in the last two games and looks set to keep his place intact at the back. The 29-year-old should partner Schar in central defence in the Newcastle lineup, and the duo have to be at their best to keep Kolo Muani quiet.
Trippier and Burn, essential cogs in the Newcastle backline, have to stay defensively disciplined and switched on from full-back positions to combat Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Midfield
In midfield, Howe will once again rely on Bruno Guimaraes to pull the strings from a deeper role. Bruno will be supported by Sean Longstaff and Sandro Tonali, who will act as the two No.8s in the Newcastle lineup. The trio are crucial to Newcastle’s transitional style of play thanks to their passing ability, energy, drive and running power.
Howe will give Joelinton every chance to feature but in case he is not risked, the available bunch will have to be at their 110% to get a positive result. Elliot Anderson might have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Attack
With Barnes and Wilson injured, Howe is expected to go with a front three of Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon in the Newcastle lineup.
Gordon has started the season well and should retain his place on the left flank, while Almiron’s confidence will be high following a screamer in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend.
Almiron and Gordon will be responsible for providing service to Isak from wide areas. Isak, who netted from the spot against Burnley, should lead the Newcastle attack on Wednesday. The Swede’s burst of acceleration and clever movement, coupled with the creativity and flair of Gordon and Almiron, could cause PSG’s defence a lot of problems.
