‘A defining moment in our Champions League campaign’ – Howe on facing PSG in CL
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Paris Saint-Germain take on Newcastle in a crucial Champions League tie that could determine which of the two teams makes it out of the group stages.
With just two fixtures to play in this part of the competition, Group F is incredibly tight as just three points separate Borussia Dortmund in first and Eddie Howe’s men in fourth. A victory for Newcastle tonight would jump them above PSG in the table and keep them in the mix to qualify for the knockout rounds.
PSG, meanwhile, are currently second and three points against Newcastle would ensure they remain in European competition though they would need Dortmund to also defeat AC Milan in order to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
Newcastle completed a comprehensive 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture last month but they’ve been rocked by losses of key personnel and will face a difficult task of salvaging their Champions League campaign in Paris tonight.
Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:
PSG vs Newcastle
Paris Saint-Germain host Newcastle in the Champions League with kick off at 8pmThe hosts can reach the knockout rounds if they beat Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund triumph over AC MilanNewcastle must avoid defeat to keep themselves in the competitionPSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Skriniar, Danilo, L. Hernandez; Fabian, Ugarte, Lee Kang-In; Dembele, Kolo Muani, MbappeNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Guimaraes, Miley, Joelinton; Almiron, Gordon; Isak.Show latest update
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Eddie Howe on PSG
“It’s difficult to talk about Paris’ players.,” said Eddie Howe at his pre-match press conference yesterday, “They have quality everywhere.
“They’ve been scoring goals for fun. But our structure and resilience has been good, and we’re going to need to be as good as we know we can be.
“This is the defining moment of our Champions League campaign and we’ll give everything.”
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:50
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Pre-match thoughts from Eddie Howe
Newcastle’s coach Eddie Howe spoke ahead of the game saying: “The mood of the group is good. It was a pivotal moment [the Chelsea win] – it would have been very easy to feel sorry for ourselves.
“The lads did well to play at such a high level. But we are not in the position we want to be in in the Champions League, and it is imperative we do not lose tomorrow.”
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:45
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Newcastle face defining Champions League clash as Eddie Howe demands team ‘play on the edge’
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his team are below their own expectations in their Champions League group this term and said it was “imperative” they managed to avoid defeat ahead of a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Magpies sit bottom of a tight Group F, with four points accumulated putting them behind Borussia Dortmund (seven), PSG (six) and AC Milan (five).
Howe’s team must take a minimum of four points from their remaining two matches, realistically, though even that might not be enough depending on points elsewhere – but a smashing 4-1 victory over Chelsea at the weekend has raised spirits in the camp and the boss wants his team to harness the emotions and energy seen at St. James’ Park this season for this match on away soil.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:40
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PSG vs Newcastle
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to TNT Sports: “I think for every game we take it independently. This is a totally different game to the home match. We have planned for that.
“Every game is different, they have a different line-up. But it won’t be too different from our principles.
“Jamaal Lascelles’ really stepped up. He hadn’t had a lot of football before coming into the team. He’s led by example, scored a massive goal the other day to help us beat Chelsea. His performances have been really strong.
“To be us. We have to show our qualities. When I look back to Dortmund we were disappointed we didn’t execute our plan. Today we have to be us, we have to execute what we need to do much better than those last two games.
“We’re going to have to manage the early part of the game well.
“I’ve got no issues with the team tonight. Yes we have a lot of players missing, but the balance of the team is right. We don’t have the strength and reserve we want, but the starting XI is strong.”
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:38
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Will they attempt to address the situation in January?
They were always likely to bolster their squad during the winter transfer window, but Tonali’s unexpected absence has made that imperative. However, they also remain short in central defence and attacking roles and all three areas are likely to be focuses.
The club was close to its Financial Fair Play limit at the end of its summer spending spree and sporting director Dan Ashworth has indicated a “creative” approach may be needed, and that could mean loan deals with options to buy.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:35
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What lies ahead for Newcastle
If the opening three months of the season have been gruelling, the final two months of 2023 promise to be no less taxing.
The Magpies head for Paris St Germain on November 28 and entertain AC Milan on December 13 knowing they may have to win both games to keep alive their first Champions League campaign for 20 years, and having accounted for both Manchester clubs in the Carabao Cup, now travel to Chelsea in the quarter-finals next month.
In addition, they face league clashes with improving Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham before they head for Liverpool on New Year’s Day as they attempt to fight their way to another top-four finish.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:30
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How much toll have Newcastle’s injuries taken on the pitch?
Until last week, very little, but chickens have started to come home to roost. Howe, who favours a high-pressing game, gambled on leaving Almiron and the in-form Anthony Gordon out of his starting line-up for Tuesday night’s Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund in the hope they would be able to come off the bench and affect the game late on.
In the event, he was forced to introduce them at half-time with Dortmund already leading, and his side was unable to stave off a 2-0 defeat.
So depleted were Newcastle’s resources on the south coast four days later that 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley was handed a first Premier League start, while 18-year-old striker Ben Parkinson was used as a substitute and Alex Murphy, 19, and Amadou Diallo, 20, were also named on the bench.
However, tired legs and minds contributed to a second successive 2-0 loss.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:25
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How extensive are Newcastle’s selection problems?
The Magpies then saw Miguel Almiron added to the list when he limped off after just 31 minutes. Burn, Barnes and Anderson are facing months on the sidelines, while £55m summer signing Tonali will not be able to play again until August next year after admitting breaches of betting regulations.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:20
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PSG vs Newcastle
Newcastle midfielder, Joelinton, spoke about how the team is feeling ahead of tonight’s big Champions League tie saying: “We’ve always had belief inside the dressing room.
“Everyone’s positive. Of course, it gives more confidence to the team if they beat a big club [like Chelsea].”
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:15
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Group F permutations
Borussia Dortmund will be confirmed in the last 16 if they beat AC Milan tonight. They will also be confirmed as group winners if they beat Milan and Newcastle beat PSG.
PSG, meanwhile, will go through to the round of 16 if they beat Newcastle and Milan do not beat Dortmund.
For their part, Milan will be unable to finish in the top two if they lose to Dortmund and PSG beat Newcastle.
Newcastle will be unable to finish in the top two if they lose to PSG. Newcastle will be confirmed in fourth place if they lose and Milan beat Dortmund.
Mike Jones28 November 2023 19:10
