The Return of European Giants: Newcastle vs PSG at St. James’ Park
Newcastle’s storied home awaits another illustrious night in the Champions League after two decades.
A Tale of Two Cities: From Milan to Paris
Emerging from the majestic shadows of the San Siro, having salvaged a pivotal point, Newcastle United now sets its sights on another European heavyweight, Paris Saint-Germain. St. James’ Park hasn’t experienced such a European buzz in 20 years, and Wednesday promises a spectacle.
The Magpies, against all odds, have showcased grit, most recently holding their own against AC Milan. A tip of the hat to Nick Pope, whose goalkeeping masterclass exemplified the team’s fortitude.
Yet, as the old adage goes, there’s no rest for the wicked. Eddie Howe’s men, riding a five-game unbeaten streak, are set to cross paths with the indomitable force of Kylian Mbappe and PSG.
A Parisian Tale: Potent but Patchy?
Paris, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, displays a somewhat jigsaw puzzle: moments of sheer brilliance interspersed with unpredictability. Their recent conquests of Borussia Dortmund and Marseille paint a picture of their latent menace.
It’s a side teeming with talent, but can they rise to the challenge of an electric St. James’? Howe and his battalion are banking on their ardent fans to galvanise them towards a memorable outcome.
Gearing Up: Key Details
Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle, England
Date: Wednesday, 4th October
Time: 20:00 BST
Referee: István Kovács
VAR: Marco Fritz
Head-to-Head Rundown
Newcastle: Yet to register a victory
PSG: Similarly winless against the Magpies
On Your Screens
UK Viewers: TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+
US Audience: Paramount+, ViX
Canadian Fans: DAZN
In the Medical Room: Team Updates
Newcastle:
The Magpies grapple with injuries Harvey Barnes’s ankle issue sees him out till November, doubts hover over Joe Willock and Joelinton due to hamstring concerns. Emil Krafth’s knee problem seals his absence. Also Botman is out for the foreseeable future.
Expected Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
PSG:
The Parisians have their own injury woes. With Marco Asensio nursing a foot injury and Nuno Mendes out till 2024, their defensive arsenal seems slightly dented. Keepers Sergio Rico and Keylor Navas are also speculated misses.
Projected Setup (3-4-3): Donnarumma; Skriniar, Marquinhos, Hernandez; Hakimi; Ugarte, Vitinha, Barcola; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappe.
The Verdict?
As Newcastle’s loyalist gaze upon the hallowed turf of St. James’, there’s an air of anticipation. Facing the might of PSG, the Magpies need their defensive guard up, especially with the Parisian’s technical acumen and Enrique’s orchestrated build-ups.
Mbappe remains the potent threat, but with the roar of St. James’ behind them, Newcastle could spring a surprise. However with key defender Botman missing you’d expect PSG’s frontline to get the better of the Magpies.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 PSG.