It is going to be an emotional night for Newcastle United against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, and it will be important that the Magpies manage those emotions.
It will be Newcastle’s first home game in the competition in 20 years, as major European nights finally return to Tyneside.
There is so much buzz heading into this game, as Toon fans prepare to watch local heroes like Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff take on elite names such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
It is going to be quite the spectacle – particularly before the game given what Wor Flags have planned.
The atmosphere is going to be electric, and it is hopefully one that Newcastle will thrive in. They have done it before, but this is a different setting. It is the Champions League.
It is still relatively unknown territory for a lot of Eddie Howe’s players, and former Toon goalkeeper Shaka Hislop thinks that could count against them.
Shaka Hislop thinks Newcastle vs PSG will be a draw
Hislop has spoke to ESPN UK ahead of the game and predicted a 1-1 draw between Newcastle and PSG.
“I thought PSG looked good against an underperforming Borussia Dortmund in the last round,” he said.
“My question about Newcastle coming into this one is that pressure of St James’ Park, with a team that doesn’t have too much Champions League experience. There’s not an awful lot of experience in the Champions League in that roster.
“The pressure this new platform gives, I just feel Newcastle don’t hit full gear. I think that comes, I still think Newcastle get out of the group. But I think a 1-1 draw is about right for this one.”
That would mean Newcastle are still unbeaten in the Champions League
Before a ball is kicked, a 1-1 draw with PSG would be a good result. It would mean Newcastle are winless from their opening two Champions League games, but it would also mean they are unbeaten.
That would be rather impressive considering the calibre of the opposition, and stand us in good stead for the rest of the competition.
The more Newcastle compete in the Champions League, the more comfortable they will be. There was a clear sense of fear against AC Milan last time out, and there is every chance that creeps in again on Wednesday.
Hopefully it doesn’t, but it is something to consider ahead of a game that is receiving a huge amount of hype.
Fortunately for Eddie Howe, it’s just another game of football, and he will be quick to remind his players of that fact.
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