Newcastle vs PSG: Lineups & Tactics

Newcastle United’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the marquee matchups in the UEFA Champions League group stage, and both clubs come into this fixture with a lot to prove. The Magpies are enjoying a renaissance under Eddie Howe, while PSG, with their star-studded lineup, continue their pursuit of European glory. Both teams’ lineups will be crucial in determining the outcome of this encounter, with tactical nuances expected to play a pivotal role.

In this article, we will examine the probable lineups, tactical setups, and key players for each team ahead of this high-profile encounter.

Newcastle United’s Lineup

Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have transformed from a mid-table team to a top contender in both domestic and European competitions. Their form in the Premier League has earned them a spot in the Champions League, and they will look to make an impact on the European stage. Howe is known for his structured, high-pressing style of play, which often transitions from defense to attack quickly. The Magpies also boast a solid defense, which will be crucial when facing PSG’s formidable attack.

Formation: 4-3-3 (or 4-2-3-1)

Newcastle’s formation has been flexible under Howe, but they tend to prefer a 4-3-3 system, with a midfield that can dominate possession and an attack capable of exploiting spaces left by opponents. A 4-2-3-1 is also possible, particularly if Howe looks to overload the midfield.

Goalkeeper: Nick Pope Nick Pope has been a rock at the back for Newcastle, and his performances in goal have been one of the reasons the Magpies have conceded so few goals in recent years. His shot-stopping ability and leadership are key for Newcastle, especially against a high-powered attacking team like PSG.

Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and Dan Burn

Kieran Trippier will likely start as the right-back, offering solid defensive work and also providing dangerous set-piece deliveries into the box.

Sven Botman and Fabian Schär will be the central defensive pairing, with Botman’s physicality and Schär’s composure and ability to distribute the ball being a solid combination.

Dan Burn will likely be deployed at left-back, a role he has adapted well to despite being a natural center-back. His height and aerial ability will be important in dealing with PSG’s aerial threat, especially from corners.

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock

Bruno Guimarães will be the key creative force in midfield, tasked with dictating the tempo and linking defense to attack. His technical ability and vision will be crucial in unlocking PSG’s defense.

Sandro Tonali, one of the summer signings, offers both defensive solidity and attacking drive. His work ethic and passing range will help break up PSG’s attacking play and set Newcastle on the counter.

Joe Willock has been in excellent form and will likely be tasked with supporting the attack while tracking back to help with defensive duties. His energy and box-to-box style are perfect for disrupting PSG’s midfield dominance.

Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón

Anthony Gordon, the versatile winger, will likely start on the left side of the attack. Gordon’s pace, dribbling, and ability to cut inside make him a constant threat. His work rate off the ball will also help Newcastle’s pressing system.

Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s key striker, has the pace and intelligence to exploit the space left by PSG’s high defensive line. Isak is clinical in front of goal, and his ability to link up play will be essential to Newcastle’s counter-attacks.

Miguel Almirón, on the right flank, will bring direct running and creativity to Newcastle’s attack. Almirón’s pace makes him an ideal outlet on the counter, and he has the ability to stretch the opposition with his dribbling.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Lineup

PSG have been one of the dominant forces in European football over the past decade, consistently finishing as contenders for the Champions League trophy. With an array of world-class talent, Christophe Galtier’s departure and the arrival of Luis Enrique as manager brought a fresh approach to the team. Under Enrique, PSG has adopted a more attacking, high-pressing style, with a focus on possession and quick transitions.

Formation: 3-4-3 (or 4-3-3)

Luis Enrique is expected to continue with his favored 3-4-3 formation, which provides defensive stability while allowing the wide players to stretch the pitch and create overloads in attack. Alternatively, a more traditional 4-3-3 setup is possible, especially if PSG opts to control the midfield with more bodies.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of the most promising goalkeepers in world football and will be tasked with protecting PSG’s goal in this Champions League tie. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure are crucial, especially in high-stakes matches like this one.

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Milan Škriniar, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes

Achraf Hakimi will start as the right wing-back, offering pace and attacking threat down the right side. His overlapping runs and deliveries into the box will be key for PSG’s offensive play.

Milan Škriniar and Marquinhos will likely form the central defensive pairing. Škriniar’s physicality and aerial ability will be important against Isak, while Marquinhos will bring leadership and composure to the defense.

Nuno Mendes is expected to start at left wing-back, bringing pace and dynamism down the left side. His ability to create chances with his dribbling and crosses will be vital in providing width for PSG.

Midfielders: Vitinha, Marco Verratti, Manuel Ugarte

Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder, will offer box-to-box energy and creativity. His technical skill and passing range will help dictate play from the middle of the park.

Marco Verratti remains one of the best deep-lying midfielders in Europe, and he will be responsible for controlling possession and linking the defense with the attack. His dribbling and short passing are essential for maintaining PSG’s rhythm.

Manuel Ugarte, one of PSG’s recent signings, will add a more defensive aspect to the midfield. His pressing and tackling ability will help PSG regain possession quickly.

Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Gonçalo Ramos

Ousmane Dembélé will start on the right wing, using his dribbling and flair to break down defenses. His direct running will stretch the opposition and create space for Mbappé.

Kylian Mbappé, PSG’s talisman and one of the best players in the world, will be the focal point of the attack. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring instinct make him a constant threat.

Gonçalo Ramos is expected to start as the center-forward, bringing physicality, movement, and finishing ability to the attack. Ramos’s link-up play will be crucial in creating space for Mbappé and Dembélé to exploit.

Tactical Battle: Newcastle vs PSG

Newcastle’s defensive solidity and high-pressing approach will be put to the test against PSG’s attack-minded tactics. Eddie Howe will likely instruct his team to press PSG’s defense high up the pitch, forcing errors and looking to capitalize on transitions. Players like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali will be crucial in breaking up PSG’s buildup play, while Isak’s pace could be the key to exploiting the space left by PSG’s high defensive line.

For PSG, Luis Enrique will likely aim to dominate possession and use the pace of Mbappé and Dembélé to exploit the spaces left in behind Newcastle’s defense. The combination of Verratti’s passing range and Ugarte’s defensive work will be crucial in maintaining control of the midfield. PSG’s wing-backs, Hakimi and Mendes, will provide width, stretching Newcastle’s defense and creating crossing opportunities.

FAQs

What formation will Newcastle United likely use?

Newcastle United is expected to play in a 4-3-3 formation under Eddie Howe, with a solid midfield base and attacking options on the wings. A 4-2-3-1 could also be a possibility, providing additional control in the center of the park.

Who will start as Newcastle’s goalkeeper?

Nick Pope is set to start as Newcastle’s goalkeeper. The England international has been instrumental for the Magpies, providing leadership, shot-stopping ability, and crucial saves in big matches.

Which defenders will feature for Newcastle?

Newcastle’s defense is likely to consist of Kieran Trippier at right-back, Dan Burn at left-back, with Sven Botman and Fabian Schär in the center of defense. Trippier’s deliveries and Burn’s aerial ability will be key against PSG’s potent attack.

This clash between Newcastle United and PSG is set to be an exciting tactical battle, with both teams possessing key strengths in different areas. Newcastle will look to rely on their defensive discipline and counter-attacking play, while PSG will look to dominate possession and use their individual brilliance to break down the Magpies’ defense. 

The tactical approaches and individual performances will play a significant role in determining which team comes out on top in this high-stakes encounter.

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