Prediction: Newcastle vs PSG

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what is set to be a famous night at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, Newcastle will welcome French giants PSG to the north east.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have entered September’s international break in the midst of a minor blip, the Magpies have come roaring back in some style. Laying down a remarkable marker as they stormed their way to an 8-0 romp against Sheffield United last month, Eddie Howe’s side are riding a real wave of momentum. Picking up some perfect momentum over the weekend as they claimed a deserved 2-0 win against Premier League returners Burnley, the former Bournemouth boss has once again seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure last week as they picked up a 1-0 victory against reigning European champions Manchester City, Newcastle have also impressed with their recent performances at the back. Opening their Champions League adventure with a gritty 0-0 stalemate away at Italian giants AC Milan on September 19th, Wednesday’s hosts have recorded five clean sheets on the spin.

Team News

Limping off in the second-half against Burnley over the weekend with a suspected thigh strain, Newcastle are sweating over the fitness of Joelinton on Wednesday night. Likewise, the Magpies are expected to be without former Everton star and summer recruit Anthony Gordon.

Converting from the spot against Burnley a few days ago and now finding the net in each of his last three appearances across all competitions, attacking talisman Alexander Isak will spearhead Howe’s charge on Wednesday night.

PSG

As for the visitors, while PSG might find themselves tipped as a leading contender to get their hands on a maiden Champions League crown this season, it is fair to say that the French heavyweights have struggled with their consistency since appointing Luis Enrique over the summer. While the one-time Barcelona boss might have seen his squad open their European adventure with a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund on September 19th, Les Parisens failed to pick up much momentum over the weekend. Eventually having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Clermont over the weekend, PSG have won just four of their opening eight appearances across all competitions. However, looking to lay down a marker at St. James’ Park, Enrique’s side have shown their own defensive steel over recent times. It is worth highlighting, the midweek guests have not shipped a single strike in over 300 minutes of action.

Team News

Shaking off a minor ankle injury and playing the full 90 minutes against Clermont over the weekend, PSG have confirmed that attacking icon Kylian Mbappe is fully fit and ready to lead their charge.

However, after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury, Enrique’s side will be without full-back Nuno Mendes on Wednesday night. Likewise, PSG are also unable to call upon the duo of Presnel Kimpembe and Marco Asensio.

Key Factors to Consider

• PSG opened their Champions League adventure with a 2-0 victory against German giants Borussia Dortmund on September 19th.
• Despite winning just four of their opening eight appearances across all formats, Wednesday’s guests have not shipped a single strike in over 300 minutes of action.
• On a similar note, Newcastle have recorded a clean sheet in each of their previous five matchups.
• PSG have remarkably won just a pair of their previous nine Champions League showdowns on foreign soil.
• Wednesday’s showdown at St. James’ Park will be Newcastle’s first Champions League appearance in the north east since August 2003.

Conclusion

While PSG might open Wednesday’s showdown tipped as a standout contender with the bookmakers, Newcastle could be smelling the chance to spring a famous upset here. With the French icons showing some extended European issues on foreign soil and winning just a pair of their previous nine Champions League contests outside of Paris, we could be set for a cagey affair at St. James’ Park. With Newcastle opening their European adventure with a 0-0 stalemate away at AC Milan last month, it is worth highlighting that the Magpies have kept a clean sheet in each of their previous five appearances.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 13/8

Bookmaker: Olympusbet