PSG v Newcastle – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

These sides have identical records in this season’s competition and only the winner will finish in the top eight places.

PSG Form

PSG have stuttered in the Champions League of late. A 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao on matchday six back in December was followed by four straight wins. They lifted the French Super Cup in January on penalties after drawing 2-2 vs Marseille in the final.

A shock 1-0 loss to Paris FC in the Coupe de France was a huge blow to their season. Although they bounced back to beat Lille 3-0, a shock 2-1 loss away at Sporting Lisbon came despite a 28-10 shot count. On Friday, a late goal sealed a narrow 1-0 win at Auxerre to return to the top of Ligue 1.

PSG Team News

Coach Luis Enrique key right back Achraf Hakimi available after injury. Both Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele are back in contention after injuries too.

Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves are both nursing muscle injuries, but should be fit to play. Kang-In Lee has a thigh injury and is likely to miss out.

PSG Motivation

PSG need a win to finish in the top eight of the League Phase. A draw is not of any help to them, with this looking like a ‘winner takes all’ clash.  

Enrique’s side will look to dominate Newcastle in terms of possession. They will be a bit guarded over the Magpies’ pace on the break.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle sit ninth in the Premier League table with eight losses in their 23 fixtures. They have won just three of their 14 away matches in all competitions this season. A rare 3-1 away win at Burnley was followed by a 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace and beating Leeds 4-3. Their last five matches have seen just one win.

A 3-3 draw vs Bournemouth in the FA Cup ended with a Newcastle win on penalties. They lost 2-0 at home to Man City in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. After a poor 0-0 draw away at Wolves, they beat PSV 3-0 at home a week ago in the Champions League. On Sunday, they lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa despite having 61% possession and 2.18 xG.

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe has five players ruled out, plus one key player who is doubtful. Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth are absent in defence.

Joelinton will play no part in midfield due to a groin injury, and Jacob Murphy has a hamstring injury. Bruno Guimaraes will need a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Newcastle Motivation

A draw in Paris is not enough for Newcastle. They need to play for a win if they want to finish in the top eight.

The Magpies are poor on their travels but have to try to attack in this one.

Key Stats

• PSG have scored 10 goals in their 3 home UCL matches this season
• PSG have won 2 of their last 5 matches (DLWLW)
• Newcastle have lost 6 of their last 10 away matches (16 goals conceded)
• Newcastle are unbeaten in 2 matches vs PSG (WD)

Verdict

Goals are likely in this match. PSG are backed to beat a Newcastle side who struggle on the road.

Best Bet: PSG win and both teams to score at 2.45

Alternate Bet: PSG win (-1 goal handicap) at 2.30