Paris vs Newcastle Preview: Battle for Top 8 in the Champions League, Paris Unfazed at Home Against Newcastle

At 4 AM Beijing time on January 29, the 8th round of the Champions League group stage brings a top-eight showdown, a direct fight for the last qualifying spot, with defending champions Paris hosting Newcastle.

The highlights of Paris vs Newcastle are as follows:

First:Team StatusAfter seven rounds in the Champions League, Paris and Newcastle both have 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, earning 13 points each. Their goal difference is identical at +10, placing them sixth and seventh respectively. In the last league games, Paris won 1-0 away against Auxerre, securing their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 victory; Newcastle lost 0-2 at home to Aston Villa. Paris leads Ligue 1 with a 2-point advantage and a squad valued at 1.2 billion euros; Newcastle ranks ninth in the Premier League with a squad valued at 712 million euros.

Second:Paris Confident at Home Against NewcastleIn terms of strength, Paris is clearly superior. Newcastle is strong at home but struggles away, and their squad is challenged by competing on multiple fronts. Newcastle faced a tough match recently, losing 0-2 to Aston Villa, while Ligue 1 is relatively less demanding, giving Paris a physical edge. Moreover, Paris enjoys home advantage and favorable conditions. Considering the importance of securing a top-eight spot in the Champions League, Paris will surely give their all to win at home and qualify directly, avoiding the extra matches of the round of 16 playoffs that would add to their schedule burden.

The two sides have never faced each other before.

Injury and Suspension Updates: Paris hasLi Gangren, Safonov, Neves (doubtful), Fabian (doubtful); Newcastle hasKrafth, Schär, Livramento, Murphy, Guimarães (doubtful), Rassells (doubtful), Joelinton (doubtful).