What Newcastle United need to qualify for Champions League knockout stages ahead of PSG and AC Milan fixtures

Newcastle United return to Champions League action against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night as Eddie Howe looks to reignite the spark in his side's European campaign. A point away at AC Milan and then an unforgettable 4-1 thumping of PSG at St James' Park saw the Magpies off to a flyer in Group F as stars hinted that the side had begun to see anything but qualifying from the so-called 'group of death' as a failure.

However, Newcastle United have endured somewhat of a reality check after back-to-back defeats to Borussia Dortmund saw the side sink to the bottom of the group with two fixtures remaining. A trip to the Parc des Princes is another tricky encounter for the club, whose long injury list continues to pose problems, but last weekend's triumph over Chelsea came at a vital time for confidence.

Now, it's all about results in the Champions League with points on the board mattering much more than performances to give the side a chance at moving on into the knockout rounds. Here's what Newcastle United need to do.

What fixtures are remaining in Group F?

Matchday Five: Tuesday 28th November

Paris Saint-Germain v Newcastle United, AC Milan v Borussia Dortmund (both 8pm BST)

Matchday Six: Wednesday 13th December

Newcastle United v AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund v Paris Saint-Germain (both 8pm BST)

What do Newcastle United need to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages?

On Tuesday night, Newcastle United must avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. If the French giants beat the Magpies, the side will have no chance of progressing into the knockout stages.

A defeat in the French capital would leave Eddie Howe's men focusing on claiming third place in the group and with that would come qualification for the Europa League. That is due to their inferior head-to-head record against Dortmund after the German giants completed a double over Howe’s side over the last two matchdays.

A draw against PSG would leave United on five points and that would keep them in the hunt for a top two place no matter what happens in the Milan v Dortmund fixture. However, it would mean Newcastle must beat Milan at St James Park and better PSG’s result in their visit to Dortmund.

To simplify the equation wins against both PSG and Milan would see Eddie Howe's side take their place in the draw for the first knockout round.