Paris Saint-Germain vs Newcastle prediction & Champions League betting tips

Newcastle United have their sights set on qualification for the last-16 of the Champions League this evening, but to achieve that goal, they may have to defeat reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain on their patch (8pm, TNT Sports 3 & Discovery+).

Eddie Howe’s side start the night seventh in the table on 13 points, behind PSG but only on goal difference, and a win would all but guarantee them a spot in the top eight. However, they are one of eight sides on 13 points and a draw or loss could drop them out of the top eight.

The Magpies travel to the French capital in mixed form too, with a series of positive performances in Europe overshadowed by Sunday’s loss to Villa and a recent draw at Wolves.

To make matters worse, Howe is contending with a lengthy injury list and betting sites make his side huge underdogs to get the win they need.

The Champions League odds suggest this should be another home win for the title holders, with PSG winning 13 of their last 18 home UCL games.

However, PSG have also produced a string of mixed performances in recent matches, having suffered losses to city rivals Paris FC in the cup and Sporting in this competition last week.

While both teams come into the match inside the automatic qualification places, they know that the loser will likely fall into the play-off places, with both sides on 13 points alongside Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting, Man City, Atletico and Atalanta.

This means there’ll be plenty of competition for the top eight, with teams as far down as Dortmund in 16th still able to creep in depending on results elsewhere.

And despite PSG coming in as heavy favourites, both sides have shown mixed form of late. The hosts have won just two of their last five matches (drawing one and losing another two), and they’ve scored seven and conceded five in that time, with the French side keeping just five clean sheets over their last 10 outings.

However, Newcastle have had a similarly poor run of form recently, winning just one of their last five with that 3-0 victory over PSV last week. The Magpies lost against both Villa and City recently and drew to both Bournemouth and Wolves, scoring six and conceding seven over that time.

With just three clean sheets in their last 10 games, it feels like PSG will have plenty of opportunities to break down the visiting defence, though the hosts are also struggling in defence at times and won’t be helped by the likely absence of Nuno Mendes and some key midfielders.

And while the home side’s quality should take them through this match with three points, Newcastle certainly know how to rise to the occasion, so PSG won’t have it all their own way at the Parc des Princes.

PSG vs Newcastle prediction 1: PSG to win, both teams to score - 9/5 Ladbrokes

Ousmane Dembele has had a stop-start opening to 25/26, with various injuries meaning the Ballon d’Or holder has missed 11 matches across Ligue 1 and the Champions League so far this term.

However, the 28-year-old still has a fairly impressive return of eight goals and six assists across his 20 appearances in all competitions, and he might be settling into better form if recent games are anything to go by, with the Frenchman having scored four goals and registered two assists over his last six matches.

These goals came across three separate games, and Dembele opened the scoring in two of them, against both Marseille and Lille.

With football betting sites offering odds on the Frenchman to score anytime as low as 10/11, we think a wager on Dembele to score first provides much better value, and we think he can continue his positive New Year run against the Magpies.

PSG vs Newcastle prediction 2: Ousmane Dembele to score first - 15/4 Bet365

PSG: Luis Enrique will likely be without a few key members of his side, with Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves and Lee Kang In al doubtful.

Newcastle: Eddie Howe will hope to have Bruno Guimaraes back after he missed the loss to Villa, and the Brazilian will face a late fitness test along with compatriot Joelinton.

This match will likely come too soon for Jacob Murphy and Emil Krafth to make a return to the squad, while Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are the longer-term absentees.

PSG XI: Chevalier; Pacho, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez; Mayulu, Vitinha, Mbaye; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon.

Midnite are running a special bet and get offer for tonight’s Champions League games, with bettors able to earn a £5 free bet when they wager £10 on any UCL match, including PSG vs Newcastle.

Just head to Midnite, opt in to the promotion and then wager £10 or more on any match market for tonight’s Champions League games. Qualifying bets must have odds of evens or greater.

In return, Midnite will give bettors a £5 free bet to use on Thursday’s Europa League games. The free bet is only valid for Thursday’s matches and will expire after the games have concluded.

It’s vital that bettors take steps to remain in control of their time and budget when using gambling sites. The same applies whether you’re using the best betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium.

Even the most knowledgeable racing punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses.

It’s particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution.

You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs.

You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:

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