Champions League: PSG vs Newcastle United betting preview

We’re now into matchday five of six in the Champions League this week as numerous sides look to fight their way into the knockout stages. In Group F, which is considered the Group of Death by many, PSG will be looking to end Newcastle’s Round of 16 aspirations when they welcome the English side to the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. The kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM EST.

Paris is second in the pod with six points, just one behind first-place Dortmund. Meanwhile, The Magpies sit on four points and essentially need a victory to have any chance at progressing. Newcastle actually hammered PSG 4-1 on matchday two, which means the French giants will be very hungry to come out and avenge that steep defeat at St. James’ Park. Below, we’ll preview the game and discuss any injuries that both sides are dealing with. 

Can PSG respond?

It’s common knowledge that Paris failed to live up to their high expectations over the last few years in the Champions League, despite having a front three of Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe. The latter is the only one who remains in the French capital, but he’s not exactly thriving to his standards in Europe. Mbappe has just two goals in four games in the competition while scoring 14 in Ligue 1. PSG needs him to step up on Tuesday after the Newcastle backline completely shut the superstar down in early October.

Luis Enrique’s men are 2-0-2 in the UCL, notching wins against AC Milan and Dortmund while losing to Newcastle and the Rossoneri in their other meeting. Last time out, the Parisiens left Milan without any points, falling 2-1 in early November. Milan Skriniar put the visitors ahead within the first 10 minutes before Marquinhos equalized. Olivier Giroud ultimately scored the winner for the hosts in the 50th minute. PSG had 69% of the ball yet failed to produce the goods, with Mbappe staying relatively quiet. As for current form, Enrique’s group has won seven of their last eight across all competitions, including a 5-2 victory against Monaco on Friday. PSG is a heavy -165 favorite at 888sport.

Do or die for Newcastle

Although Newcastle getting into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years was truly a miracle, they expect more than just being in the competition. The Magpies want to go far. They started off group play well, playing to a scoreless draw with Milan in their opener before hammering PSG 4-1 on home soil. But since then, Newcastle has lost back-to-back games to Dortmund, putting them in a difficult position heading into Tuesday.

Eddie Howe’s men are bottom of the group and desperately need the full points here to have any shot at moving on. The Magpies are 1-1-2 and should feel confident about potentially beating Paris again, although playing at the Parc des Princes is never easy. Newcastle is also coming off an impressive 4-1 throttling of Chelsea on Saturday, one of their biggest wins of the campaign. Still, the Magpies are only seventh in the Premier League table and remain a big underdog for Tuesday’s encounter at soccer betting sites.

Injury news

Paris is dealing with a plethora of health concerns. Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Nuno Mendes, Marco Asensio, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Danilo Pereira are all sidelined due to injury. As for Newcastle, they’re also ravaged by injuries. Sven Botman, Callum Wilson, Sandro Tonali (suspension), and Dan Burn are among the numerous absentees for the Magpies right now.