St. James’ Park plays host to a UEFA Champions League clash as Newcastle United host PSV on Wednesday, 21 January at 20:00. Both sides have impressed going forward this season, but Newcastle’s defensive solidity could be the key storyline against a PSV side that has been ruthless in attack but vulnerable at the back. Find our match preview and best bets below.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 3.5 Goals | 10/11 @ BOYLESports (52.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | PSV have been involved in open, attacking contests throughout their Champions League campaign, with both teams finding the net in all six of their matches so far. Their attacking quality was on full display in a commanding 6–2 home victory over Napoli, followed by an emphatic 4–1 triumph away at Anfield against Liverpool. Newcastle are usually formidable at St James’ Park, but they cannot underestimate the threat posed by PSV, particularly as the Dutch side have won 11 of their last 12 games in all competitions.Even so, the hosts possess plenty of firepower themselves, which points towards an entertaining and goal-filled Champions League encounter. Eddie Howe’s side have scored at least twice in 13 of their last 14 home matches, although defensive solidity has been harder to come by, with just one clean sheet recorded in their last nine outings on home turf. |
| Sven Botman to score | 10/1 @ BOYLESports (9.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | PSV have been very vulnerable from set pieces in the Champions League, conceding more shots and expected goals from dead-ball situations than any other side. They are facing over six shots and 0.80 xG per game from set pieces, which is a concern against a Newcastle team that carries real threat in these moments. Because of that, bigger-priced scorers are worth considering. Sven Botman to score anytime at 10/1 stands out, with the defender having a shot in all three of his home Champions League appearances. PSV have also allowed centre-backs plenty of chances and have already conceded goals to defenders in this competition. |
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How both teams go into Newcastle vs PSV
Newcastle United have struggled for consistency in the Premier League, with nine wins, six draws and seven defeats from 22 matches, but their form in cup competitions has been far more impressive. Eddie Howe’s side have reached the EFL Cup semi finals and are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Bournemouth. They have also performed well in Europe, winning three, drawing one and losing two of their six Champions League games. That leaves them 12th on 10 points, just two points outside the top eight.
With only two league phase matches left, Newcastle will be aiming for back to back wins to boost their chances of progressing, starting against PSV before a final game against holders Paris Saint Germain. However, they need to improve recent form, having failed to win their last two Champions League matches and going three games without a victory in normal time.
PSV have produced some eye catching results in the Champions League, drawing away to Bayer Leverkusen and Olympiacos and claiming an outstanding 4-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield. They also thrashed Napoli 6-2 earlier in the league phase, although that remains their only home success, having lost their other two matches in Eindhoven.
Domestically, Peter Bosz’s side have been outstanding, winning 17 of their 19 Eredivisie games to open up a commanding 16 point lead at the top of the table. That strong league form should give PSV plenty of confidence heading into Wednesday’s clash with Newcastle.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle could be missing several players through injury, including Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Valentino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Jacob Murphy and Jamaal Lascelles.
After a frustrating 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton, Howe may tweak the attack, with Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa set to start instead of Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade. Defensively, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw are likely to start, while Lewis Miley could come in for Kieran Trippier at right-back.
PSV team news
PSV are also set to be without several players, including Ruben van Bommel, Alassane Plea, Myron Boadu, Nick Olij, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest due to injury.
After their sixth consecutive win in all competitions, Bosz may stick with the same lineup against Newcastle, keeping key goalscorers Ivan Perisic and Paul Wanner in the team.
Season Form & Standings
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 12 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 10 |
| PSV | 21 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 11 | +4 | 8 |
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
This is the first competitive meeting between Newcastle United and PSV in recent history—no previous head-to-head results are available.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
Conclusion: Will Newcastle’s Defence Outlast PSV’s Attack?
This tie pits Newcastle’s defensive discipline against PSV’s front-foot flair. Newcastle have been solid at the back, while PSV have relied on clinical finishing to mask defensive woes. Our best bets on Wednesday remain over 3.5 goals at 4/5 and Sven Botman anytime scorer at 10/1.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
