Wednesday night is Newcastle United’s biggest game of the season so far, as they prepare to welcome AC Milan to St James’ Park for our final Champions League group game.
It is still all to play for, with Eddie Howe’s side still having hope that they can advance to the next round and come second in the Champions League group of death.
It did not look like Newcastle would have a chance when the draw was made, but a draw in Paris means that the Magpies can still qualify.
Howe’s side have to win and hope PSG don’t beat Borussia Dortmund, while AC Milan know that a win for them could also put them through to the knockout stages.
It is a mammoth tie, and this is the Newcastle team that we predict Eddie Howe to pick against AC Milan
Newcastle need a big defensive performance
Newcastle defended brilliantly against AC Milan at the San Siro back in September, and we will need an equally as solid performance at St James’ Park.
However, the backline will be very different to the one that played in Italy. There will be no Nick Pope, Sven Botman or Dan Burn, all of which are injured. Instead, it will be Martin Dubravka, Jamaal Lascelles and Tino Livramento.
Howe needs his defenders to be heroes, as a clean sheet will mean that we drop into the Europa League at worst. A draw is enough to finish third, after all.
Sean Longstaff starts vs AC Milan
With players finally returning from injury, Howe finally has the chance to tweak his starting lineup.
Sean Longstaff returned from an ankle injury during the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham, and feels likely to start against AC Milan.
If Longstaff does start, it will likely result in ‘little superstar’ Lewis Miley dropping to the bench.
The 17-year-old has been exceptional since coming into the side, and was outstanding on his first Champions League start away to PSG.
But Newcastle need fresh legs, while Longstaff’s experience could also be invaluable.
Callum Wilson on the bench for Newcastle
Another player who Newcastle have back from injury is Callum Wilson. He will provide backup for Alexander Isak, who should retain his place in the starting XI.
That is a massive boost for Howe, who might want to play Isak and Wilson together if Newcastle are chasing a goal in the second half.
For the first time in weeks, Howe at least has some options in reserve.
Predicted XI vs AC Milan: Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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