Prediction: PSG vs Newcastle

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG can take a significant step toward defending their European title with a win on Wednesday. Luis Enrique’s side reclaimed first place in Ligue 1 last weekend, and victory here would send them into the last 16 for a 14th season in a row.

The Parisians have claimed five wins from their last six home matches in all competitions, the only blemish being a Coupe de France elimination at the hands of city rivals Paris FC. In the Champions League, they typically finish strongly: six wins in their last seven final group‑stage fixtures, and no defeat in their concluding game since losing at Bayern Munich in December 2017.

However, there is a rare danger looming—PSG could lose two home matches in the league phase for the first time since 2004. Even so, they enter the tie with a strong record against English opposition at the Parc des Princes, including two victories from their last three encounters. Their only home group‑stage loss to a Premier League side in recent memory came against Manchester United in October 2020.

Team News

Matvey Safonov is expected to miss out with a hand issue, while Fabian Ruiz is sidelined by a knee injury. Lee Kang‑in is doubtful due to a thigh problem, and João Neves may also be unavailable. Achraf Hakimi, recently returned from AFCON duty, could be a late decision after sitting out Friday’s match. Quentin Mbitcha, Nuno Mendes and others are nursing knocks, though Lucas Hernandez returns from suspension.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored PSG’s lone goal on matchday seven, and both Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué—used from the bench against Auxerre—may be in contention to start.

Newcastle United

Newcastle are on the brink of reaching the Champions League knockout phase for the first time. A win last week secured at least a playoff place, and another victory on Wednesday could launch them into the top eight.

Eddie Howe’s men have had mixed results recently, winning just one of their last four matches in all competitions and failing to score in three of them. Away from home, their form has been similarly uneven—only one win in five, a 3‑1 success at Burnley in late December.

Their Champions League record on French soil is also uninspiring; their only previous visit resulted in a 2‑1 defeat to Marseille. However, there is optimism: Newcastle have never lost to PSG in this competition. They hammered the French champions 4‑1 in 2023 and secured a dramatic 1‑1 draw in Paris later that year, when Kylian Mbappé equalised with a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time.

Team News

The Magpies have several injury concerns. Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento both have hamstring problems, Jamaal Lascelles is dealing with a muscle injury and both Fabian Schär and Bruno Guimarães are doubts with ankle issues. Despite a minor knock, Joelinton is expected to start.

William Osula returned to the bench at the weekend, while Yoane Wissa, Guimarães and Harvey Barnes all scored in the win over PSV. Nick Pope produced another assured performance and has now kept four clean sheets in this season’s competition.

Head-to-Head

The sides have met twice in this competition, with Newcastle enjoying the upper hand—a resounding 4‑1 win at St James’ Park and a 1‑1 draw in Paris.

PSG have yet to beat the Magpies, though they have generally performed strongly at home against English clubs. This third meeting arrives with both sides level on points and needing a result, heightening the tension for what should be a fiercely contested affair.

Conclusion

PSG’s experience in navigating high‑pressure European nights gives them a crucial edge, while Newcastle are still learning to manage these moments.

The visitors may threaten, but the reigning champions look better placed to edge a tight contest and secure their route into the last 16.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet