Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain hope to solidify their position amongst the top eight as they conclude league-phase play with a visit from Premier League side Newcastle United on Wednesday.
While PSG don't feel as dominant this season as they were for much of last season's triumphant campaign, it was around this time last year that they managed to turn on the afterburners and cook the rest of Europe en route to their first Champions League crown.
The Magpies enter the Parc des Princes themselves with a top-eight spot in the European table as well, an impressive feat considering they reside mid-table in their domestic league.
AllSportsPeople looks ahead to the top-tier clash as both sides seek a coveted bye to the Round of 16, while the loser puts themselves at risk of falling into a playoff position.
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PSG vs. Newcastle prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: PSG (-185 on DraftKings)
- Score prediction: PSG 2-0 Newcastle
The perception is PSG may have slipped some from their heights of last spring, but there is no doubt that this team remains one of the very best in Europe, especially at full strength. To that end, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has returned to full fitness and is firing again, and he was rested over the weekend with just 28 minutes off the bench.
Understanding that a draw leaves both teams at risk of falling out of the top eight, there could be some chaos potential to this match as the two sides may be desperate to push for all three points in the closing stages. That would play into Newcastle's hands, as PSG have looked vulnerable in chaotic passages of recent games, conceding late goals in multiple recent adverse results.
Yet the French giants have also achieved success in those haphazard environments, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a late equaliser against Marseille in their French Super Cup meeting earlier this month, and Bradley Barcola bagging a 79th-minute winner against pesky Auxerre last time out.
Ultimately, PSG have the talent advantage and should triumph in this match, even if things get weird towards the end of what should be a physical test. The French side may be missing Fabian Ruiz, but they are still by far the fitter side as Newcastle are in the midst of a growing injury crisis.
| DraftKings (USA) | |
| PSG win | -185 |
| Draw | +360 |
| Newcastle win | +450 |
| Both teams to score | Y: -165 N: +130 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals | O: +125 U: -160 |
| PSG -1.5 goals | +130 |
| Newcastle +1.5 goals | -185 |
PSG vs. Newcastle match facts
- Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. Local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Location: Parc des Princes (Paris, France)
- Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN), VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)
- Last meeting: PSG 1-1 Newcastle (Nov. 28, 2023 | Champions League)
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PSG vs. Newcastle best bet
- Pick: Over 4.5 total cards
- Odds: +250 (FanDuel)
If one thing is certain in this match, it's that Newcastle are going to try to make it a physical slugfest, because that is just what Eddie Howe tries to do when matched up against bigger clubs.
In the recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City this month, the two sides split eight yellow cards evenly between them. There were nine combined bookings in their December draw with Chelsea, and six in the defeat to Barcelona back in September.
Incredibly, in all three of those games, Newcastle either finished with the same amount of bookings as their opponent, or fewer, as their strategy to frustrate the opposition often works. It may not always lead to a result, but it often causes opposing players to lose their heads and can keep the scoreline close enough to give the Magpies a chance. You can get over 3.5 total yellow cards for slightly negative odds, but taking the inflated threshold seems the right value play.
PSG vs. Newcastle prop bet
- Pick: PSG to keep a clean sheet
- Odds: +165 (DraftKings)
As the injuries mount for Newcastle, conjuring up quality goal-scoring chances has become more and more difficult.
The Magpies have been shut out in three of their past four games, only managing to find the back of the net in the 3-0 home win over PSV. In general, their away performances have failed to reach the club's standards, blanked by Sunderland, Manchester United, and Wolves in three of their last four road games.
Newcastle's last visit to the Parc des Princes saw them draw 1-1 with PSG two years ago, but they were out-shot 31-5 in that game and both of their efforts from in the penalty area came from the feet of Alexander Isak, who is now at Liverpool.
Lucas Chevalier has not been up to the level of the departed Gianluigi Donnarumma, but he has put in a few strong performances of late in the PSG goal, including saving two penalties in the 2-2 draw with Marseille. On the whole, Les Parisiens have been strong defensively, even as the perception is that their defensive levels have dropped compared to last season's title run.