Tonali Starts, Woltemade Leads The Line | 4-3-3 Newcastle United Predicted Starting Lineup Against PSG | OneFootball

Eddie Howe stares down a tactical crisis. Injuries rip through the Newcastle United spine before this critical Champions League showdown against PSG. The treatment room at Darsley Park is overflowing. This leaves the manager with limited options for the clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Bruno Guimaraes misses the match entirely due to a leg injury. His absence strips the midfield of its primary conductor. Fabian Schär and Tino Livramento also remain sidelined.

This forces Howe to reshuffle his backline. Despite these setbacks, the Magpies must find their rhythm against the French giants. Howe would be counting on a small group of fit survivors to get a result. This puts immense pressure on the available starters to perform under the lights at St. James’ Park.

Predicted Starting Lineup: Newcastle United (4-3-3)

Defence

Nick Pope keeps his spot in goal. He acts as the final line of defence against a dangerous Parisian attack. The back four features necessary changes because key players are unavailable. Kieran Trippier captains the side from right-back.

He provides the experience and leadership needed to organise the defence. Lewis Hall takes the left flank. He will look to push forward when he can. However, his main job involves tracking PSG’s fast wingers.

Sven Botman anchors the central defence. He must bring stability to a makeshift partnership. Malick Thiaw starts alongside the Dutchman to fill the gap Schär left. The German centre-back must use his height and vision to stop aerial threats and cut out through balls.

Midfield

Since Guimaraes is out, Sandro Tonali carries the creative burden. The Italian international plays in the centre. He will dictate the tempo and move the ball to the wings to beat the PSG press. Joelinton provides the power and energy.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Newcastle United FC and PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park on January 21, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

He breaks up the opposition’s play and drives the team forward with his physical style. Lewis Miley completes the trio. This gives the youngster a huge chance to shine on the European stage. The game will test the teenager’s composure. However, his presence balances the midfield. It allows Tonali to move into attacking positions while Joelinton covers the open spaces.

Attack

Anthony Gordon remains the main threat from the left wing. He will use his pace to stretch the PSG defence and cut inside. Anthony Elanga starts on the right. He brings directness and speed, which could be vital during counterattacks.

Nick Woltemade leads the line. Standing nearly two meters tall, Woltemade offers a different look. He is not just a target man; he links the play by dropping deep. This creates space for Gordon and Elanga to run behind the defence.