Looking back at the last meeting, Newcastle United beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 4-1 at home, but things have changed and the situation is bound to be very different this time around.
Firstly, Newcastle United's key players are out due to injuries and suspensions, including Sindo Donnelly, Colin Wilson, Baldwin and Dan Bon Bon. Secondly, PSG's home form has gone up a notch, winning both of their home group stage matches so far without conceding a goal, while their away form has gone downhill, losing both of their previous away group stage matches.
The focus of expectation is that PSG is no longer a team with many stars, but a young team full of vigor and potential. While Kilian McBarbie is the soul of the team, the addition of high-level strikers such as Goloumiani, Lee Kang-in and Gancalu are powerful additions to the team's strengths, and these successful reinforcements signify the club's thoughtfulness in laying out the future.
Oswendy Billy has been in stunning form since joining Barcelona and a number of players are expected to pose a threat for Newcastle United. With the fast pair of Ashurav and Lucas Boots Nandis expected to slot in frequently to assist, I predict PSG will line up in a very attacking formation.
This will certainly be a tough test for Newcastle United, but they believe they are capable of fighting. Coach Eddie Hervey will be asking his team to keep their energy up and implement their pre-match strategy of defending their opponents and making tough tackles.
I expect Newcastle United to be very threatening tactically out wide, especially with Jebbia's pinpoint passing, and the pace of Anthony Gorton and Mikel Amirang will play a key role on the counter-attack. Up front, Alexander Ishaq must capitalize on his limited scoring opportunities.
