Newcastle tonight host Paris Saint-Germain in the first Champions League game at St James’ Park for more than twenty years. Eddie Howe’s side made a promising start to life back at Europe’s top table last month in a solid if unspectacular draw away at AC Milan but know their home form is vital if they are to progress from what is widely considered the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ alongside Borussia Dortmund.
Kylian Mbappe and company offer a unique challenge to Newcastle, even if they have made St James’ a fortress during Howe’s time at the club. While PSG are yet to fully click under Luis Enrique in Ligue 1, they are seasoned operators in the group stage and boast a very strong record at this stage.
Still, Newcastle will fancy their chances in front a bouncing home crowd. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Live updates
Newcastle vs PSG: Luis Enrique concedes no one wanted to play the Magpies
“They are the team from the fourth pot in the draw that no-one really wanted, of course. We know that they play at a high level,” he said in his pre-match news conference.
“They’re very good in possession; they’re very good off the ball as well. They play with a very high press – they’re almost a compete football team.
“They’re going to be playing in front of their extremely passionate supporters as well and that’s going to help them.
“All teams can go far in the Champions League. There’s no reason why Newcastle can’t go far either. No-one wanted to play them, I guess, also because we saw how good they were last season.
“It’s a spectacular place to go and play and it will also be good for us to see what our team is made of playing at St James’ Park.
Newcastle vs PSG: Eddie Howe on huge night of Champions League action
“I think it will be a really great moment for the club as a whole,” he said.
“To be back in the Champions League, at home, one of those magical nights in our stadium – I’m really looking forward it. At the moment it’s about focusing on the match and what we need to do to try and win.”
Newcastle vs PSG: Latest odds
Betfair – Newcastle United vs PSG
Newcastle – 6/5
Draw – 15/8
PSG – 7/4
Betfair – Champions League Winner 2023/24
Man City – 2/1
Bayern Munich – 9/2
Real Madrid – 15/2
Arsenal – 8/1
Barcelona – 10/1
Paris St-G – 12/1
Atletico Madrid – 25/1
Newcastle – 33/1
Man Utd – 40/1
RB Leipzig 50/1
Newcastle vs PSG: Eddie Howe focused on PSG as injury problems mount
Newcastle United play their first home Champions League game since 2003 when they welcome Paris St Germain to St James’ Park on Wednesday, but manager Eddie Howe’s attention will be on the game and not the occasion.
Howe’s side began this season’s European adventure with a 0-0 draw at the San Siro against AC Milan, and now face the Ligue 1 champions.
Read the full story here!
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The two teams have never played each other.
Prediction: PSG to win at St James’ Park
It will be fascinating to see if PSG’s change in approach leads to success in Europe. Still, even despite all of their problems at this level, they have generally sailed through the group stage.
PSG to win 3-1.
PSG team news: Kylian Mbappe fit to start
For PSG, Mbappe got through the weekend game against Clermont Foot despite a recent ankle knock and looks set to start. Nuno Mendes is missing, along with Marco Asensio and Presnel Kimpembe.
Newcastle team news: Sven Botman and Callum Wilson ruled out
The injury problems are mounting for Newcastle. Joelinton and Callum Wilson are unlikely to feature after hamstring issues, while Sven Botman will also be missing. Joe Willock has not played all season and remains injured. Sandro Tonali, however, is fine.
How to watch Newcastle vs PSG
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 7pm BST.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the TNT Sports app.
Live blog: Follow the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain tonight.
Kick-off from St James’ Park is at 8pm BST.
