It’s hit or go home time, folks. Or close to it, at least.
There will be one Champions League PSG host Newcastle United at the famous Parc des Princes in the French capital later today in the group stage MD5 clash, with each team looking for a crucial win to help them advance to the knockout rounds, treating the game as a final.
All you need to know about the upcoming clash of titans is second and third in Group F, just two points apart.
Newcastle come into the weekend after beating Chelsea 4-1 in the Premier League.
PSG themselves destroyed Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco last Friday with a 5-2 final scoreline that was no mean feat and showed just how dominant Luis Enrique’s side can be when things click.
The Parisian posh boys have won seven of their last eight matches and Newcastle—currently three points behind group leaders Dortmund with an upside disadvantage—will be hoping to stop PSG in their tracks as they dream of going further. The UCL, or at least third place in the group stage, qualifies for the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
Here are some nuggets of wisdom from Howe, courtesy NUFC.co.uk
On team morale ahead of Tuesday night’s clash in the French capital:
„The mood of the team is very good, especially after the result at the weekend. It was an important moment for us because, again, it is very easy to feel sorry for yourself or focus on the players who are not with us.
„To win against a good Chelsea team, the boys did incredibly well.”
The decision to train at Parc des Princes ahead of the Magpies’ final UEFA Champions Group F match:
„A change of mindset and a different routine. You never know how these things affect your performance and results, you can never guarantee.
„We were looking for an improvement from our two away games (in the Champions League) and that’s why we did what we did today.
„Some players might like it or need it. For us, it gave us a little more recovery time at home, which might be important with the schedule we have.
In team news, including an update on Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff:
„We’re the same as we were at the weekend, but with a few guys who can’t play in the Champions League. Joe (Willock) is seeing a specialist tomorrow and we’re not sure about him yet.
„Sean (Longstaff) didn’t travel.”
In the challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, aiming for a seventh consecutive home win in all competitions:
“They have quality at every level. Since we’ve played them, they’ve scored goals for fun, so we’ll do our best defensively.
„Our formation and defensive resilience in the team is a good barrier in the Bournemouth game. We have to be every ounce as good as we can.
“All the mixed emotions that go into a match are good. We have to play on the edge. That is when we are at our best. They are quality at every level and we have to be the best we can be.
„We will need every ounce of motivation and energy to get a result. This is an important moment in our Champions League campaign. We know very well where we sit in the group and what will happen tomorrow, so we are going to give it our all.
On Anthony Gordon, who has scored five Premier League goals so far:
„He’s been in great form for us. When we signed him, we knew we were signing a player of massive potential with real skill and pace. I think the big thing for him is that he’s added goals and assists.
„When you look at his last game, he scored a fantastic goal when he switched to the striker role. His cross for Jamal Lascelles’ goal helped us get the three points.
„His work rate on the ball has been at a very high level throughout his time here, but we encourage him to add those valuable goal contributions to us.”
On Nick Pope, who has kept seven clean sheets in all competitions so far this season:
„He’s massive for us. He’s brought real confidence to the back line. We’re lucky to have some good goalkeepers at the football club and Nick is really unique with his ability.
„The save he made in the first half against Chelsea was outstanding, and it was very little in my mind until I looked back at how good it was. Those key moments, the big saves he’s made since he’s been here, have lifted us as a team.
„He’s very calm, very popular in the dressing room and a lot of fun to be around. On and off the pitch, I think he’s made a big contribution.
On Lewis Miley, who helped make his full Premier League home debut against Chelsea last weekend:
„There’s every chance he’ll be involved again. I think he’s ready. He’s a great character for these events.
“That’s what I loved about him after Saturday’s game, he’s the same Louie. It was as if he had done nothing. That’s how he should approach this game.
How!
- Date: Tuesday, November 28
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
- Place: Parc des Princes, Paris (France)
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