As two of the most competitive teams in Group F of the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Newcastle United F.C. are set to clash in a critical encounter. This match is pivotal not only for progression in the tournament but also for pride and momentum in European football. Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons, but injuries and tactical decisions will shape their performances. Here is an overview of the confirmed lineups, including insights into the squad selections, key absences, and tactical setups.

PSG Lineup

For Paris Saint-Germain, the match against Newcastle is a chance to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 loss at St. James’ Park. With a spot in the next phase of the Champions League still at stake, the team’s lineup will be crucial in ensuring a positive outcome.

Formation and Key Players: PSG has opted for a 4-3-3 formation that utilizes both defensive solidity and attacking creativity. The defense is marshaled by Marquinhos, although he is sidelined due to injury for this clash. His absence might lead to a reshuffled backline, with Sergio Ramos and Presnel Kimpembe stepping up in central defense. The full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, will provide width and attacking support.

In midfield, PSG will miss the presence of Warren Zaire-Emery, who has been ruled out due to injury. This opens up a place for Vitinha to start alongside Marco Verratti and Fabian Ruiz. Verratti’s role is pivotal in linking defense to attack with his vision and passing range, while Vitinha and Ruiz will be tasked with breaking down Newcastle’s midfield.

Upfront, PSG is blessed with an abundance of attacking talent. Kylian Mbappé will lead the line, flanked by Ousmane Dembélé and Kang-In Lee. Mbappé’s pace and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities will be central to the team’s attack, while Dembélé and Lee bring directness and flair on the wings. Gonçalo Ramos, who was a substitute in the last match, is expected to come off the bench as an impactful presence.

Injuries and Absences:

Marquinhos (defender) is out, a significant blow to PSG’s defensive stability.

Warren Zaire-Emery (midfielder) is also unavailable due to injury, weakening the depth in the middle of the park.

Despite these absences, PSG has a wealth of talent at their disposal, and the team will need to be at their best to claim victory against Newcastle​.

Newcastle United F.C. Lineup

Newcastle United, under manager Eddie Howe, has been enjoying a solid European campaign. Their surprise 4-1 victory over Chelsea has given them a confidence boost heading into this match against PSG. The Magpies are looking to secure a crucial win that could elevate them to a stronger position in the group.

Formation and Key Players: Newcastle is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, focused on a compact midfield and counter-attacking football. The defensive unit will be led by Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, with Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn providing support from the full-back positions. Trippier’s delivery from wide areas will be key to unlocking PSG’s defense, especially from set-pieces.

In midfield, Bruno Guimarães will be the anchor, with Lewis Miley, who made his Champions League debut earlier in the season, alongside him. Miley, only 17 years old, has been impressively mature in his performances so far and will be tasked with disrupting PSG’s rhythm. Alongside them, Sean Longstaff, who is nursing an injury, would normally provide energy and dynamism, but his absence means that more responsibility will fall on the remaining midfielders to maintain control of the game.

The attack will see Alexander Isak spearhead the line, with Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almirón providing width and pace on the flanks. Isak’s mobility and finishing ability make him a constant threat to the PSG defense. Gordon and Almirón will be looking to stretch the defense and create opportunities for Isak through their speed and technical skills.

Injuries and Absences:

Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are both sidelined for the clash due to injury. Longstaff’s absence is a particular blow, as he has been key to Newcastle’s pressing and midfield stability​.

Tactical Overview

Each side has a different tactical philosophy going into this game. PSG, under Luis Enrique, will look to dominate possession and control the game through their technical midfielders and explosive front line. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of Marquinhos, may be exploited by Newcastle’s physical and high-pressing game.

Newcastle, for their part, will likely adopt a counter-attacking style, sitting deep and looking to exploit the spaces left by PSG’s attacking forays. Their midfield battle will be crucial; without Longstaff, the team will need to rely on Guimarães’ ball-winning ability and Miley’s youth-driven energy to break up PSG’s attacks. In attack, Isak will be the focal point, with Gordon and Almirón looking to use their pace to stretch PSG’s backline.

Both teams are aware that this match could be the difference between advancing to the knockout stages or exiting the competition early. As such, the tactical battle between the two managers, Enrique and Howe, will be intriguing. Enrique will be looking to impose his will with possession, while Howe will hope his side can weather the storm and exploit PSG’s defensive weaknesses​.

FAQs 

What is the expected lineup for PSG against Newcastle United?

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is likely to line up in their favored 4-3-3 formation, which balances defensive stability with attacking prowess. The team is expected to field Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, who has been a mainstay for PSG this season. In defense, with Marquinhos out due to injury, Sergio Ramos and Presnel Kimpembe are expected to partner in central defense, while Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will provide width as full-backs. Midfield will likely see Marco Verratti anchoring the play alongside Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz. Upfront, Kylian Mbappé will lead the attack, flanked by Ousmane Dembélé and Kang-In Lee, while Gonçalo Ramos will be available from the bench as a potential substitute​.

Who are the key players to watch in the PSG vs Newcastle United match?

For PSG, Kylian Mbappé is the standout player to watch. The French forward’s speed and skill make him a constant threat to any defense. Ousmane Dembélé will also be crucial on the wing, creating chances and stretching the defense with his dribbling and pace. In midfield, Marco Verratti’s ability to control the game and distribute the ball will be key. Despite missing Marquinhos, PSG’s defense will still rely on the experienced duo of Ramos and Kimpembe to stay solid.

On the Newcastle side, Alexander Isak will be the primary target man, known for his finishing and intelligent runs. Bruno Guimarães, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, will play a vital role in controlling the tempo and breaking up PSG’s attacks. Kieran Trippier’s crossing ability from right-back will be another significant weapon for Newcastle​.

Are there any notable injuries in the PSG vs Newcastle United match?

Yes, both teams have a few key players unavailable. PSG will be without their captain, Marquinhos, who is sidelined with an injury. This is a significant blow, as the Brazilian center-back has been a crucial figure in their defense. Additionally, Warren Zaire-Emery is missing due to injury, which weakens their midfield depth.

For Newcastle, they are also missing a few important players. Joe Willock is out with a hamstring injury, and Sean Longstaff is unavailable due to an ongoing injury. Longstaff has been a key figure in Newcastle’s midfield, providing energy and defensive stability, so his absence will be felt. However, despite these setbacks, both teams have strong squads, and other players are ready to step up​.

In Summary

The PSG vs Newcastle United encounter is shaping up to be a high-stakes affair, with both teams needing a win to advance to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. PSG, despite some key absences, boasts a lineup brimming with talent, while Newcastle, though missing a few important players, has shown resilience and tactical discipline under Eddie Howe. As the match unfolds at Parc des Princes, all eyes will be on how each team adapts to their injuries and the pressure of the occasion.

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