AC Milan star once linked with Newcastle United transfer makes 'difficult' St James' Park claim

AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic expects a "very intense" game with Newcastle United in tonight's Champions League Group F decider at St James' Park.

The Magpies must beat Milan and hope Paris Saint-Germain drop points away to Borussia Dortmund in order to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.

If PSG do their job in Germany, avoiding defeat against the Italian giants will be enough for a Europa League spot. Lose, and United's European journey is over altogether.

But the visitors too have plenty to play for. A victory for them and a defeat for PSG will see them clinch second spot, or at the very least, guarantee a place in the Europa League.

Pulisic has experience of playing at St James' Park during his time with Chelsea and he is fully aware of the difficult challenge it presents.

"We expect a very intense game, difficult stadium to go to, but I think we are well prepared," said the American. "We need to give everything to have a chance to win the game and come out of the group.

“It’s a very intense team, they will put in a lot of hard work, a lot of tackles, a lot of energy and we need to be ready for this.

“All we can focus on is us winning the game. We can only control this, after the game we will see how we stand. We’ll hopefully do our part and see what happens.”

Pulisic was linked with a move to Newcastle before joining Milan for £17million.

The 25-year-old has scored five goals and provided three assists in 13 Serie A games so far this term but is yet to contribute in his five Champions League appearances.

“I’m feeling great," Pulisic added. "It’s been a good season so far, some ups and downs, but I’m enjoying it a lot, I’m feeling fit and ready to go."