TNT Sports expert Jermaine Jenas believes his former club Newcastle United can deliver against Paris Saint-Germain in a must-not-lose Champions League game on Tuesday
A defeat will end their return to the competition after a long 20-year absence, while a draw would put Newcastle on the back foot going into the final matchweek of the group stages.
Despite the tricky prospect of facing Kylian Mbappe again, before welcoming defending Serie A champions AC Milan to St. James’ Park, Jenas remains positive about Newcastle’s chances.
“Well, it definitely puts more pressure on them,” Jenas told TNT Sports, reflecting on the two defeats against Dortmund. “I still feel like they can possibly afford to draw this game and put some pressure on PSG for that final game.
“The Dortmund games were tight, really, really tight and they are the kind of games that define you in the Champions League, and not winning your home games does kind of cost you.
“But this group is so tight, anyone can beat anyone at any given time.”
Newcastle have been blighted with injuries this season and have struggled for consistency across all competitions.
Following their good start in Europe, all their hard work seemed to quickly unravel in 1-0 and 2-0 defeats to Dortmund.
The same form was reflected in the Premier League. They posted an impressive win against previously unbeaten Arsenal one week, before falling to winless Bournemouth the next.
Jenas believes that although Newcastle have endured a “turbulent” start to the season and one-off results are to be expected, they’re still finding a way to get points on the board when it matters.
“They’re a team that has matured and grown to the point that they’re better than thriving on the big occasions,” he said. “I think they find their way to step it up in those games, but I think their squad has been so turbulent this season.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise there have been some indifferent performances at times, but you have to say, how they keep managing to dig out results like they did against Chelsea at the weekend, because you look and them and think ‘They’re down to the bare bones.’
“When they step out at the Parc des Princes, it’s going to be one of those occasions that they’ll see the magnitude of knowing they need a result and more often than not they deliver.”
Jenas praises ‘collective’ Toon defence following injury crisis
Sven Botman and Dan Burn – who have been so crucial to Newcastle’s recent success – are long-term absentees in defence which has seen the return of long-term centre-back and club captain Jamal Lascelles.
Former Magpie Jenas was full of praise for the way the “remarkable” Lascelles has slotted in at the centre of a hard-working backline.
“The nature of Newcastle’s defence is a collective thing,” Jenas explained. “I don’t think anybody sitting here is like ‘Kieran Trippier can deal with Mbappe on his own’ because he can’t, it’s a complete mismatch.
“One of the biggest pros when it comes to defensive players would be Lascelles in terms of his form. I think what he has done this season so far is not much short of remarkable.
“A player that everyone thought was done and dusted at Newcastle has come back and really shown some top-level form that Howe can really lean on.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Newcastle player Jamaal Lascelles reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Paris Saint-Germain at St. James Park on October 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by
Image credit: Eurosport
Wilson or Isak fitness ‘imperative’ for qualification hopes
Alexander Isak returned to the team with a goal in Newcastle’s impressive 4-1 win over Chelsea and Jenas believes it’s crucial to Newcastle’s European chances that either Isak or strike partner Callum Wilson can remain fit.
“Between Isak and Wilson, it’s such a shame because they’re both so injury-prone,” he said. “They can be the difference.
“I thought Wilson was very ineffective in the game against Dortmund, he didn’t really get himself involved in the game as much as Howe would have liked. Isak can offer a different issue for teams, he likes to go out wide a lot and create issues from that left-hand side.
“I think having one of them fit is imperative really. If they’ve got any hopes of getting through this Champions League group, which is hard enough as it is, then one of those needs to constantly be fit for the rest of the campaign.”
How to watch Paris Saint-Germain v Newcastle United
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