Newcastle United perform Champions League U-turn v PSG after AC Milan & Borussia Dortmund games

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Newcastle United have ditched their usual pre-match routine ahead of the Champions League clash v Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle United have switched up their Champions League preparations in the hope of gaining a positive result against Paris Saint-Germain this evening (kick-off 8pm).

The Magpies take on the Ligue 1 champions with their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages hanging in the balance. Eddie Howe's men must win in Paris, or pray results elsewhere go in their favour if they draw. Lose, and it's curtains.

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Prior to previous away fixtures at AC Milan, which ended 0-0, and Borussia Dortmund, who won 2-0, Howe's squad trained at the club's Benton training base in the morning before flying to their destination later in the day.

Newcastle United's players attend a training session at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 27, 2023, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match against Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Newcastle United's players attend a training session at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 27, 2023, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match against Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Newcastle United's players attend a training session at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 27, 2023, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match against Paris Saint-Germain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) | AFP via Getty Images

But for the trip to the French capital, United have interestingly altered their pre-match routine after training at the Parce des Price last night.

Asked why Newcastle had decided to do things differently on this occasion, Howe said: "Change of feel. Just a different routine. You never know how these things affect you, or how you perform.

"Results you can never guarantee, but we are looking for an improved performance from our last two away games (CL), that's why we have done what we have.

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"Some players might look at that and feel they might need or want it. For us, it gave us more recovery time. Gave the players a little bit longer with their families this morning and allowed us to travel a little bit later.

"It was quite important for us with the schedule to maybe pinch a little bit more time with their families before they leave."

Newcastle come into the game having beaten Chelsea 4-1 at St James' Park on Saturday following goals from Alexander Isak, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon.

"The mood of the group is very good, especially after the result at the weekend," Howe said. "It was a pivotal moment for us. It is very easy to feel sorry for yourselves after the game and focus on the players who aren't with us but we have done incredibly well to perform and to win against a very good Chelsea team."

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Howe added: "It is good to have a mixture of emotions going into the match. I think we need to play on the edge, that's when we are at our best. Every team is at their best when they have that emotion running through them. I expect that from the players.

"We are going to need every ounce of motivation, energy, to get a result.

"This is a defining moment in our Champions League campaign, we are well aware of where we sit in the group and what can happen tomorrow, so we are going to give it everything."

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