Newcastle United host their first Champions League match for 20 years with French giants Paris Saint-Germain the visitors to St James’ Park tonight (kick-off 8pm).
Anticipation and excitement has been building since the Magpies’ 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. Not only is it the return of European football but the Magpies are about to welcome arguably the greatest player on the planet Kylian Mbappe to its shores.
“It’ll be a difficult assignment for us defensively,” said United head coach Eddie Howe. “Our defensive record in the last few games has been really strong, and our performance as a team has been very strong. I think we’re going to need that teamwork. I never think it’s down to one player and I don’t believe in man-to-man marking, that won’t happen.
“It’ll be around our team structures and making sure we do a really good in our units to nullify space. Fingers crossed we can do that and keep the best player in the world, at the moment, quiet.”
Howe spoke to the media on Tuesday and he revealed late calls will be made on Callum Wilson and Joelinton. Wilson has missed the last two games because of hamstring tightness while Joelinton also picked up a hamstring injury moments after coming on as a substitute versus Burnley.
Will either, or both of those players feature against PSG? Here’s our Newcastle predicted line-up:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Pope, who has recorded five consecutive clean sheets, made an incredible nine saves against AC Milan in the last Champions League match.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
The man tasked with one of the most difficult assignments in world football... keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet. But you wouldn’t want anyone else.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The Swiss international has proven to be consistent and reliable having barely missed a game since Eddie Howe arrived as head coach almost two years ago.
4. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Sven Botman is a massive miss, of course, but there’s something quite nice about seeing Lascelles, who captained the club out of the Championship, get his opportunity in the Champions League.