PSG vs Newcastle

The Parc des Princes becomes a theater of destiny tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the reigning European champions, Paris Saint-Germain, host Newcastle United. With both clubs level on points and occupying the final direct qualification spots, this is effectively a "winner-takes-all" showdown for a place in the Round of 16.

PSG (6th place, 13 points) and Newcastle (7th place, 13 points) are currently safe for the playoffs, but a victory tonight ensures a month of rest in February by bypassing the knockout playoff round. Luis Enrique’s side is looking to bounce back from a recent 2–1 loss to Sporting CP, while Eddie Howe’s Magpies are flying high after a 3–0 thrashing of PSV.

Match Information

PSG: The Holders Defending Their Throne

Despite being the reigning champions, PSG has faced a rocky league phase. Luis Enrique has been forced to navigate a "youth-first" transition, often relying on youngsters like Senny Mayulu and Désiré Doué. However, the Parisians remain a force at home, having won five of their last six at the Parc des Princes.

Team News and Selection:

• AFCON Returns: Achraf Hakimi has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and is a game-time decision, though he is expected to feature.

• Injury Doubts: Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves are battling knocks but have been included in the preliminary squad. Lucas Hernández is available after serving a suspension.

• The Kvaratskhelia Factor: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been the spark in this year’s campaign, scoring their only goal against Sporting last week. He will partner Ousmane Dembélé in a high-octane attack.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Mayulu; Dembélé, Doué, Kvaratskhelia.

Newcastle United: The History Makers

For the first time in club history, Newcastle has guaranteed a place in the Champions League knockout stages. However, Eddie Howe has made it clear that "just qualifying" isn't enough. The Magpies want to avoid the playoffs entirely, but they must do so while battling a significant injury list that has stretched their squad to the limit.

Team News and Selection:

• The Brazilian Blow: Joelinton has been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh injury. Bruno Guimarães traveled with the squad but is a major doubt with an ankle issue.

• Defensive Crisis: Fabian Schär, Tino Livramento, and Sven Botman are all sidelined, forcing Howe into a makeshift backline.

• Record Chaser: Anthony Gordon enters tonight with six goals this campaign. One more goal would make him Newcastle's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League proper, surpassing Alan Shearer.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Burn, Kelly, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Longstaff; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Unbeaten Magpies: Newcastle has never lost to PSG in their previous competitive meetings (W1, D1), famously winning 4–1 at St James' Park in 2023.

• French Struggle: Newcastle has won only one of their last nine European away games against Ligue 1 opposition.

• Home Dominance: PSG has lost only two of their last 18 Champions League home games in the group/league phase.

• First-Half Wall: Newcastle has conceded only one first-half goal in the entire league phase this season—a competition low.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This match is a clash of identities. PSG will look to monopolize the ball (averaging over 64% possession) and use Vitinha to probe the gaps in Newcastle’s compact block. Conversely, Newcastle will rely on their "brave and physical" style, as described by Luis Enrique, looking to hurt PSG on the break through the searing pace of Anthony Gordon.

The key battle will be in the wide areas. If Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are fit to start, they will push Newcastle’s wingers deep, neutralizing the threat of Harvey Barnes. However, if PSG's defense remains as brittle as it was against Sporting, Newcastle's efficiency on the counter could produce another famous result.

Final Score Prediction: PSG 2–1 Newcastle United