In a marquee Champions League finale at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United face off on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
With both teams currently locked on 13 points in the top eight, this is a direct battle for automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
The narrative: rivalry renewed
The history between these two is brief but explosive. Newcastle famously dismantled PSG 4-1 at St James’ Park in 2023, while the Parisians were only saved by a controversial late penalty in the reverse fixture.
Now, as the new era of the Champions League league phase concludes, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
- PSG (6th, 13 pts): The reigning French champions are coming off a narrow 1-0 win against Auxerre but were stunned by Sporting CP (2-1) in their last European outing. Luis Enrique is under pressure to prove that his possession-heavy style can break down the Magpies’ resilient block.
- Newcastle United (7th, 13 pts): Eddie Howe’s men have been the surprise package of the tournament, matching PSG’s points tally while boasting a superior defensive record (only 6 goals conceded). However, a recent 2-0 domestic loss to Aston Villa has raised questions about their squad depth during this grueling winter schedule.
J-2 avant #PSGNEW ! ✨#UCL pic.twitter.com/yTkFNGUIYG
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) January 26, 2026
Team news & probable lineups
Both squads are battling significant injury lists that will test the tactical flexibility of Enrique and Howe.
PSG
The Parisians are sweating on the fitness of Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, both of whom are in a “race against time” to start. More concerning is the absence of João Neves and Lee Kang-in, leaving a creative void in the middle of the park. Lucas Chevalier continues his stint in goal with Safonov sidelined.
- Probable XI (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, Zaire-Emery; Dembélé, Gonçalo Ramos, Barcola.
Newcastle United
The Magpies are decimated in defense. Fabian Schär, Tino Livramento, and Sven Botman are all dealing with various knocks, though Botman is expected to “play through the pain.” The biggest question mark surrounds captain Bruno Guimarães, who missed the Villa game with an ankle issue but has traveled to Paris.
- Probable XI (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Lewis Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, Yoane Wissa.
Player to watch: Bradley Barcola
With Ousmane Dembélé often drawing the double-team, Barcola has become PSG’s most consistent threat on the counter.
His pace against a Newcastle backline that may be missing its fastest full-backs (Livramento/Krafth) could be the decisive factor in transition.
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Key Stats & Betting Tips
| Feature | Paris Saint-Germain | Newcastle United |
| UCL Goals Scored | 20 | 16 |
| UCL Goals Conceded | 10 | 6 |
| Head-to-Head | 0 Wins | 1 Win (1 Draw) |
Best Betting Tips
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Match result: PSG Win – 1.62 – on 1xbet
PSG have lost only twice in their last 16 home games in all competitions. While Newcastle are gritty, the Parc des Princes factor and PSG’s superior bench depth usually prevail in high-pressure European nights.
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Both teams to score (BTTS): Yes – 1.62 – on 1xbet
Newcastle have scored in 4 of their last 5 away matches, and PSG’s defense has looked shaky without a settled backline, conceding twice against Sporting recently.
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Total goals: under 3.5: Yes – 1.69 – on 1xbet
While both can score, the stakes are so high that a cagey opening 60 minutes is likely. Four of PSG’s last five matches have stayed under this margin.
