PSG host Newcastle in a blockbuster decider to determine who finishes in the top eight at the conclusion of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League’s league phase.
Currently sat sixth and seventh heading a group of eight clubs locked on 13 points apiece, victory would see either PSG or Newcastle qualify for the Round of 16 whilst the other are condemned to the knockout play-offs.
A draw though could see both clubs end up in the knockout play-offs if results elsewhere go against them.
Team News
Achraf Hakimi could start for PSG after he missed their 1-0 Ligue 1 win at Auxerre for fitness reasons, having recently returned from international duty for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fabian Ruiz (knee) and Joao Neves (muscle) could return but Quentin Ndjantou (hamstring), Matvey Safonov (hand) and Kang-In Lee (thigh) remain absent.
Newcastle will be without Joelinton after he suffered a groin injury during their 2-0 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa.
Bruno Guimaraes (ankle) faces late fitness checks.
Emil Krafth (knee), Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy (both hamstring), Fabian Schar (ankle) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
PSG host Newcastle at Parc Des Prince, Paris, on Wednesday 28 January at 9pm CET (8pm GMT), live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- PSG are yet to beat Newcastle in the Champions League (D1, L1).
- Newcastle drew 1-1 in their only previous visit to PSG in November 2023. having led through ex striker – Alexander Isak before Kylian Mbappe equalised with a controversial injury-time penalty.
- Out of Newcastle’s five goalscorers against PSG, only Dan Burn and Fabian Schar remain at the club.
- PSG’s 10 league-phase goals at home this season have come from eight different scorers, with Vitinha the only player to net more than once with a hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Tottenham in November.
- Three of Newcastle’s seven away goals in the league phase came from the penalty spot and each penalty was scored by Anthony Gordon.
Prediction
Currently occupying sixth position, PSG simply have to play with the same high-pressing dynamic attacking style that they’re known for because this is a proper must-win if wish to avoid the knockout play-offs, yet cut out their recent defensive sloppiness in the league phase.
Newcastle meanwhile were simply lacklustre in their loss to Villa because without Guimaraes, they lacked their usual passing style and intensity so he is hopefully back in contention, otherwise this could be a long night if they are again wasteful as they were early on against Unai Emery’s Villains.
I however do think that PSG will have just too much quality for Newcastle but if Guimaraes is back and the Magpies score first, it’s game on as a draw probably wouldn’t be enough for both clubs to get a top-eight finish.
Prediction: PSG 2-1 Newcastle
Result: PSG 1-1 Newcastle
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