The preview: Paris-Newcastle

THE TABLE

Despite losing 2-1 in Milan last time out in the Champions League, Paris lie second in Group F with six points. The capital club's home wins over Borussia Dortmund (2-0) and AC Milan (3-0) have given them a one-point lead over the Rossoneri and a two-point advantage over their upcoming opponents from the EPL.

As for Newcastle, the English club sit at the bottom of a hotly contested group. The Geordies made a big impression with a 4-1 win over the Parisians on Matchday 2, just after holding AC Milan to a 0-0 draw at home. But the English side lost twice, to Borussia Dortmund, first at St James' Park (0-1) and then at Signal Iduna Park (2-0).

A LOOK BACK AT THE LAST MATCH

The two sides met at St James' Park on Matchday 2 of the group stage on 4 October. And for their first Champions League match on home soil for 20 years, the Magpies were on target. Just after the first quarter of an hour, Alexander Isak was set up for a challenge on Gigio Donnarumma, who pushed his effort wide, before Miguel Almiron followed up to open the scoring with his left foot (1-0, 17'). Moments before the break, Bruno Guimaraes crossed for Dan Burn to double the lead (2-0, 40'). Captain Jamaal Lascelles' handball in the area went unpunished and Paris went into the break trailing by two goals.

Things did not get any easier for the Parisians, however, as Kieran Trippier found Sean Longstaff following a long clearance to score Newcastle's third goal at the start of the second half (3-0, 50'). Les Rouge et Bleu were on the back foot, but they refused to give up and struck back a few minutes later thanks to Warren Zaïre-Emery: the French international sent a delightful ball over the top of the defence to Lucas Hernandez, who headed home from close range (3-1, 56'). Despite several efforts from Ousmane Dembélé, the capital club were unable to get a second goal and Fabian Schär added to Newcastle's tally with an unstoppable long-range effort (4-1, 90'+1). It seemed nothing could go wrong for the Geordies that night...

ONES TO WATCH

On Tuesday evening, the Magpies will also have to respond if they are to continue their adventure in the competition. And to do that, Eddie Howe's men will be able to count on midfield metronome Bruno Guimaraes. A formidable presence in the first match, the former Lyon man was the player who completed the most passes (25) and recoveries (14) for Newcastle. Essential to his team's play, he will undoubtedly be the player the Parisian midfielder needs to keep under control. After the Geordies' victory in the first match, his coach was full of praise: "Bruno is a fundamental part of this club, we all love him here". A statement that speaks volumes about the Brazil international's importance to the Magpies.

Alongside him, Joelinton should take his place in the middle of the park. Absent from the first leg, the Brazil international is expected to replace Sandro Tonali, who is suspended for the rest of the season. The former Rapid Vienna player is the midfielder with the most interceptions in Newcastle's squad so far this season (17). Defensively committed, he is also the Geordie with the most tackles thus far (25). But Joelinton also knows how to use his talent in the final 30 metres, and has been involved in four goals in 14 matches this season (one goal and three assists).

And while the English side can expect to do a fair bit of defending at the Parc des Princes, Alexander Isak will have the onerous task of finishing off the Magpies' rapid attacks. Although he failed to find the net in the first meeting match, he was took the most shots on goal during the match, on a par with Ousmane Dembélé (three shots apiece). The Swedish international is also Newcastle's top scorer this season, with a total of eight goals in 11 games played. Other players, such as the excellent Kieran Trippier and young Anthony Gordon, will also be worth keeping an eye on this Tuesday.

FOCUS ON A PARISIAN: FABIAN RUIZ

It is not certain whether he will start against Newcastle, but Fabian Ruiz's latest performance, against AS Monaco, must be giving Luis Enrique selection headaches. Last Friday, the rangy midfielder confirmed his current good form in the Parisian ranks. Playing in the absence of Warren Zaire-Emery, the Spanish international made his mark with a superb assist for Ousmane Dembélé's third goal.

But Ruiz's fine performance also involved plenty of less noticeable - but equally hard - work. With 61 possessions, he completed 100% of his passes in the final 30 metres, demonstrating the technical accuracy that is essential to the smooth running of the Parisians' game. Against Monaco, Fabian Ruiz also attempted and completed the most dribbles. His attacking contribution could prompt Luis Enrique to start him once again when the Magpies come calling...