Quick Read
- Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United will meet in a critical Champions League league phase match on January 28.
- The encounter at Parc des Princes is crucial for automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
- PSG, the defending champions, are set to welcome back key players like Achraf Hakimi.
- Newcastle faces significant midfield injury concerns, with Bruno Guimarães’s availability uncertain.
- Both teams carry identical records into this do-or-die fixture.
PARIS (Azat TV) – Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United are set to clash in a high-stakes encounter at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a match that will directly determine their path in the Champions League league phase. With both teams holding identical records, the outcome is critical for securing an automatic spot in the Round of 16, with the loser almost certainly facing a challenging playoff round next month or even elimination from the competition.
The fixture marks only the third time these two clubs have met, following their memorable encounters in the 2023–24 Champions League group stage. During that campaign, Newcastle United secured a dominant 4-2 victory over Luis Enrique’s then-nascent PSG side at St. James’ Park. The return leg in Paris saw a contentious 1-1 draw, where a late, controversial handball decision in stoppage time resulted in a PSG penalty, denying Newcastle a slender victory.
High Stakes for European Ambitions
This upcoming match carries immense weight for both clubs. PSG, the defending Champions League holders, have not quite hit their formidable stride in the 2025–26 season. A recent defeat at Sporting CP means the Parisian giants risk missing out on an automatic qualification spot for the Round of 16, a position they are accustomed to securing with ease. A draw in Wednesday’s game would not benefit either team, pushing them towards the precarious playoff route.
For Newcastle United, the challenge is amplified by their inconsistent form away from St. James’ Park. While they have earned the majority of their 13 points at home, their performances on the road have been considerably tamer, making a victory in Paris a particularly demanding task against Luis Enrique’s evolving squad.
Team Preparations and Injury Updates
Paris Saint-Germain is expected to be significantly bolstered by the return of several key players. Right-back Achraf Hakimi, who has not featured for the club since November due to the Africa Cup of Nations and a subsequent injury, is set to be fit for the match. Midfielders Fabián Ruiz and João Neves, along with defender Nuno Mendes, are also expected to be available for selection. Additionally, captain Marquinhos and Willian Pacho were rested during the weekend’s victory over Auxerre, while Ousmané Dembélé and Désiré Doue featured off the bench, indicating a very strong PSG starting XI could be fielded.
In contrast, Newcastle United faces considerable midfield challenges. Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães sustained an ankle injury last week, and his availability for the trip to Paris has not yet been confirmed. Joelinton is also a doubt due to a knee injury that forced him off against Aston Villa. Should both key midfielders be sidelined, manager Eddie Howe may need to adapt his tactical setup, potentially utilizing Nick Woltemade as a No. 10 to facilitate counter-attacks, with Yoane Wissa likely leading the line. Further compounding Newcastle’s injury woes, Jacob Murphy is expected to miss out again with a hamstring issue, and Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, and Tino Livramento remain sidelined.
Form and Tactical Considerations
Neither team enters this decisive fixture in stellar form. PSG’s recent record stands at WDWLD (Win-Draw-Win-Loss-Draw), while Newcastle’s is LWDLD. Despite this, the return of key personnel for PSG is expected to allow them to resemble more closely the dominant side seen in previous seasons. The predicted lineup for PSG includes Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián, Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
Newcastle’s predicted lineup features Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Miley; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes; Wissa. While the Magpies have struggled to maximize their counter-attacking potential this season, the presence of new signings like facilitator Woltemade and speedster Anthony Elanga offers a threat in transition. The match is anticipated to be a tight affair, with PSG’s home advantage and returning quality ultimately expected to prevail against a Newcastle defense that has shown vulnerabilities.
The outcome of this pivotal Champions League encounter will not only determine immediate progression but also significantly influence the narrative surrounding both clubs’ European campaigns, particularly for defending champions PSG navigating a less consistent season and for Newcastle in their quest to establish themselves among Europe’s elite.