PSG (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

After 20 years away, Champions League football is finally back at St James' Park.

Following three straight wins in the Premier League, knocking out Man City in the Carabao Cup and a precious point at AC Milan a few weeks ago, our second game of Group F sees us take on French giants PSG.

Kylian Mbappe is on Tyneside but there'll be no red carpet rolled out. Instead, one of the world's great players faces a fierce battle with Kieran Trippier and 50,000 Geordies filled with pride, passion and nerves of excitement as big time football returns to our cathedral on the hill.

It'll be a tough game and a huge challenge for a Newcastle side struggling with injuries, although that in itself hands chances to those who could've only dreamt of this occasion just a few years ago. Local lads Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff will live out their childhood dreams when the Champions League music plays, Jamaal Lascelles will captain the club he helped to promotion not so long ago and the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes will be rewarded for the faith they showed in this project when things looked so different 18 months ago.

I myself will feel emotion like never before when that Champions League music belts around St James'. These are the moments we longed for during the Mike Ashley days. Back then, they seemed so far away. It felt like nothing more than a dream, so to experience it first hand - for the first time since I was a nine year old lad - will be extra special alongside my dad and brother.

However, we're not just here to enjoy the experience. We're 'here to compete' as Eddie Howe always says. We are back in form and building momentum superbly, while PSG sit 5th in Ligue 1 after failing to beat bottom side Clermont on Saturday. Let's play with no fear and show the world what we're capable of. If everything clicks under the lights at St James' Park, I genuinely believe we can beat anyone.

Team news

Sven Botman (knee) has been ruled out of the game, Callum Wilson and Joelinton (both hamstrings) will have late fitness tests but are unlikely to make it, based on Eddie Howe's pre-match quotes on Tuesay afternoon. Sandro Tonali is 'fine' and fit to play, but Harvey Barnes (toe) and Joe Willock (Achilles) remain out.

For the visitors, Kylian Mbappe has been passed fit, but Marco Asensio, Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes are not in their squad due to injury. Former target Hugo Ekitike has also been left out of their UCL set up after refusing to leave over the summer. You have to laugh!

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Tonali – Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

With Botman and Joelinton set to miss out, Willock and Barnes injured and certain areas of the team unable to be rotated, most of the team picks itself for this one.

Lascelles will keep his place and rightfully so after back-to-back clean sheets since he filled in for Botman. Elsewhere, I can't see Howe messing with a defence that's been on a five-game run of clean sheets, meaning Burn will remain at left-back.

Longstaff and Bruno are certain to start in midfield and could be partnered by Tonali; who has plenty of experience at this level after reaching the semi-finals last year with AC Milan. He did actually train on Tuesday despite being absent when the players took to the grass, so I think we'll see him replace Elliot Anderson.

Out wide, I think Howe will opt for Almiron over Murphy - who started at the San Siro. Gordon will keep his place down the left, with this being his last game for a few weeks now he's suspended for West Ham on Sunday. Up top, Isak will start if there's any doubts over Wilson, but the Swede has started twice in the last seven days already, so our number nine could get the nod IF his hamstring holds up.

Predicted PSG XI: Donnarumma - Hakimi, Marquinhos, Škriniar, L Hernández - Vitinha, Ugarte, Zaire-Emery - Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Mbappé.

Ones to watch: Kylian Mbappe – It feels too obvious but it's impossible to ignore. Hakimi and Dembele will be a huge test down PSG's right, but the Frenchman has devastating pace and finishing to match. He's scored seven goals in six games this season and will give Trippier his biggest test yet in a black and white shirt.

Prediction

Injuries worry me slightly, as Botman and Joelinton will be big misses. However, I still have faith in this group and those filling in. After all, a half-strength Newcastle beat treble winners Man City just seven days ago.

Hakimi and Dembele against Dan Burn is a scary prospect, but that in itself could create space for Gordon at the other end of the pitch. I believe we'll win the midfield battle and trust Trippier to give Mbappe hell. Lascelles has a big job to do alongside Schar, who'll have either Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani to contain.

I see a game of goals, an electric atmosphere and an absolute thriller. My heart says an iconic 3-2 win that will be played back for many years to come, but my head thinks a high-scoring draw could be more likely given the absence of a few key players. Isak and Gordon to score in a 2-2 draw.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 PSG

HWTL!!