Defending Champions League champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are set to clash with Newcastle United in their last group stage match on January 28, aiming to secure advancement to the Round of 16 for the 2025-26 season. With both teams already qualified for the knockout stage, the match holds significant implications, as finishing in the top eight guarantees a direct spot in the next round. PSG recently faced a challenging Ligue 1 campaign, suffering a defeat to Sports CP, and were eliminated from the French Cup in the early knockout stage. In contrast, Newcastle sits ninth in the Premier League but is only five points from a top-four finish.
The match will kick off at Parc des Princes in Paris at 3 p.m. ET and can be streamed on Paramount+. As for the betting odds from DraftKings, PSG is favored at -185 (bet $185 to win $100), while Newcastle stands as the underdog at +450 (bet $100 to win $450). A draw is priced at +360, with a total over/under of 3.5 (over +125, under -160). SportsLine also offers updated model selections for Champions League encounters, along with insights from soccer analyst John Eimer on how to wager on this matchup.
Ending the year as SportsLine’s top soccer expert, Eimer boasted a record of 248-234-12 (+25.93 units) with his betting picks, providing substantial profits in various leagues like the Premier League, Champions League, and La Liga. His followers have benefited from his informed betting strategies.
Here are Eimer’s top predictions and betting insights for PSG vs. Newcastle:
Best Bets for PSG vs. Newcastle
- PSG Moneyline and Over 2.5 Goals (-105): 1 unit
- PSG 1st Half Team Total of 1.5 Goals or More (+260): 0.5 unit
What Does This Game Mean for Both Teams?
While a loss in this match is not detrimental for either club since they have both secured their spots in the Champions League knockout stage, it still bears importance. The match is pivotal in securing a top-eight finish, which bypasses the need for any additional qualifications. Given that this is the final matchday, it’s anticipated that both teams will field strong lineups and aim for a competitive performance.
Home Advantage and Road Struggles
PSG has demonstrated significant prowess at home this season, where they remain unbeaten in nine Ligue 1 matches, recording eight victories and one draw. Their Champions League home performances have also been noteworthy, although they faced a recent defeat to Bayern Munich. Conversely, Newcastle struggles in away games, having clinched only two victories in eleven Premier League matches played this season. As such, there’s hope that PSG can secure a vital home win while maintaining their trend of high-scoring games.
Fan Take: This match is crucial as it highlights PSG’s dominance at home and offers Newcastle a vital opportunity to prove themselves against elite competition. For soccer fans, it’s a chance to witness tactical battles that could shape the narrative of the Champions League moving forward.
