Newcastle United vs PSV

A massive European night under the lights at St James' Park awaits today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as Newcastle United hosts PSV Eindhoven. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).

The Magpies enter the penultimate round of the league phase in a strong position, sitting 13th with 10 points. A victory tonight would guarantee their place in the knockout stages and could propel them as high as 6th, keeping the dream of a top-eight finish (and direct Round of 16 entry) alive. PSV, currently 21st with 8 points, are fighting to stay within the play-off spots.

Match Information

Newcastle United: Managing the Defensive Crisis

Eddie Howe has turned St James' Park into a European fortress, but his tactical ingenuity is being tested by a severe injury crisis in the backline. Despite a frustrating 0–0 draw against Wolves over the weekend, Newcastle has been clinical in Europe, led by the inspired form of Anthony Gordon.

Team News and Selection:

• Defensive Absences: Newcastle is without Fabian Schär (ankle), Tino Livramento (hamstring), and Emil Krafth. While Dan Burn and Will Osula have returned to training, Howe has confirmed they will miss tonight's clash.

• Midfield Engine: The duo of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali remains the team's heartbeat. Guimarães currently leads the UCL in defensive line-breaking passes (13), tied with PSV’s Joey Veerman.

• Key Player: Anthony Gordon has been directly involved in 7 goals in 6 UCL games this season (5 goals, 2 assists).

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

PSV Eindhoven: The Attack Under Pressure

Peter Bosz's side arrives in Tyneside on the back of a staggering 13-match winning streak in the Eredivisie. However, their European campaign has been hampered by a "hospital ward" situation in their attacking department, leading to recent transfer links with Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Blows: Star striker Ricardo Pepi is out for two months with a fractured arm. They are also missing Alassane Pléa and Myron Boadu (both knee injuries).

• Suspension: Midfield regular Ismael Saibari is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.

• The "Driouech" Threat: With the main strikers out, the creative burden falls on Couhaib Driouech, who averages a goal contribution every 31 minutes in the UCL this season.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kovar; Mauro Júnior, Flamingo, Boscagli, Dams; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Til, Driouech; De Jong.

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

• Recent Dominance: Newcastle has won their last three home matches against PSV in all competitions, scoring at least two goals in each.

• The Pass Masters: This match features the two most vertical passers in the competition; Bruno Guimarães and Joey Veerman have both completed more line-breaking passes than any other players in the league phase.

• Early Starters: Newcastle has led for 49% of their total match time in the UCL this season—only Bayern, Arsenal, and Man City have spent more time in a winning position.

• PSV Away Woes: PSV has struggled on English soil, winning only one of their last 11 away games against Premier League opposition.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This is a clash of styles: Newcastle’s high-intensity emotional surges at home versus PSV’s patient, structured possession. The Magpies will look to exploit PSV’s depleted front line and use the atmosphere of St James' Park to force early turnovers.

Without Pepi and Saibari, PSV may struggle to find the clinical edge needed to breach a Sven Botman-led defense. If Gordon continues his hot streak in transition, Newcastle should secure the points needed to move toward the Round of 16.

Final Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2–1 PSV