PSG vs Newcastle

The Parc des Princes hosts one of the most significant fixtures of the final league phase tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain face Newcastle United in a high-stakes showdown where the winner is guaranteed a spot in the top eight and direct entry to the Round of 16.

Both teams enter the night level on 13 points, with PSG in 6th place and Newcastle in 7th based on goal difference. With the new 36-team format reaching its climax, tonight is a "final" in its own right—the loser risks falling into the knockout play-off round.

Match Information

Paris Saint-Germain: The Champions’ Crossroads

Luis Enrique’s side has had a turbulent road to Matchday 8. Despite being the reigning holders, their form has been "patchy," illustrated by a recent 2–1 loss to Sporting CP and a shock exit from the Coupe de France. However, they remain a different beast at the Parc des Princes, having won six of their last seven home games.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Returns: Achraf Hakimi, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves have all returned to training. Lucas Hernández is also available following a suspension.

• Absences: Kang-In Lee is a major doubt, while Fabian Ruiz is officially listed as out in some reports despite returning to training.

• The Star Man: Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé is the man to watch; he is rediscovering his world-class form and remains PSG's most dangerous creative outlet.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Barcola.

Newcastle United: Rising to the Challenge

Eddie Howe’s Magpies arrive in Paris amidst a deepening injury crisis but with a reputation for professional European performances. After a heavy 2–0 weekend loss to Aston Villa, Newcastle needs to summon the same spirit that saw them dismantle PSV 3–0 in their last continental outing.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Woes: The medical room is overflowing. Joelinton, Fabian Schär, Jacob Murphy, Tino Livramento, and Emil Krafth are all ruled out.

• The Bruno Question: Captain Bruno Guimarães has traveled but faces a late fitness test. His presence is deemed vital for Newcastle’s midfield stability.

• Winger Dominance: Anthony Gordon has been electric with 6 goals in 7 UCL starts, while Harvey Barnes has added 5 goals in just 430 minutes of European action.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Ramsey; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon.

 Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Deadlocked: These teams are perfectly even on 13 points each. PSG has a goal difference of +10 (20 scored, 10 conceded), while Newcastle also has +10 (16 scored, 6 conceded).

• Recent History: Their last meeting at the Parc des Princes ended in a dramatic 1–1 draw.

• Discipline: Anthony Gordon has been a focal point but is also a card magnet, having been flagged for a potential booking in pre-match betting trends.

• Home Strength: PSG has covered the -1 goal line in 6 of their last 10 home matches.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

PSG will likely dominate possession (averaging 64.5% this season) and use the overlapping runs of Nuno Mendes and Hakimi to stretch Newcastle's makeshift defense. The matchup between Ousmane Dembélé and Lewis Hall will be a critical battleground.

Newcastle will look to exploit PSG's tendency to concede first (which has happened in 4 of their last 6 UCL games). With Sandro Tonali and Jacob Ramsey in midfield, Howe will aim to absorb pressure and use the pace of Gordon and Barnes on the counter-attack. If Bruno Guimarães starts, Newcastle’s chances of controlling the transitions increase significantly.

Final Score Prediction: PSG 2–1 Newcastle United