St James' Park memories

Before the two teams go head to head, Didier Domi, Fabrice Pancrate and Yohan Cabaye – three former Paris players who also enjoyed spells on Tyneside – take a look back at their time in England.

Let's do the polite thing and let the oldest of the lot go first. Didier Domi, a Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, spent two years with The Magpies between January 1999 and January 2001, taking part in an FA Cup final with the English side at Wembley on 22nd May 1999 – a game that ended in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

The former Paris defender has excellent memories of St James' Park: "It's one of the best atmospheres in England, although my greatest memory in that respect is still a game between Liverpool and Paris at Anfield in May 1997. It's impressive how loud it is, and if you're not ready for it, the atmosphere can scare you. At Paris, though, we've got players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, who might be galvanised by that and who are used to these big European games."

Fabrice Pancrate only spent one season at Newcastle (2009–2010), but for him, the St James' Park atmosphere is unique in England: "It was magical to see the whole stadium in harmony with its players despite the fact that we were only playing in the second division. Different generations of fans go to games together, and everyone wears black and white. It really is impressive!"

The former Paris striker is expecting a great game and an exceptional welcome: "Newcastle have been waiting to get back into the UEFA Champions League for a very long time. The whole city will be behind The Magpies. Incidentally, I can remember how, before games, during the warm-up, the stadium would be practically empty because the fans were at the bar. As soon as the game kicked off, though, there wasn't a single empty seat!"

Yohan Cabaye, the assistant director of the capital club's academy, also looks back fondly at the home of The Magpies: "Newcastle are renowned for having a unique atmosphere; their fans really are exceptional. St James' Park is full of chants and passion at every game. It's an atmosphere that inspires the players and makes the club and the city a special place to play football in. The fans' love and support are incomparable, and I'll always cherish that from my time at Newcastle."

For Domi, tomorrow's trip will be a good test for Les Parisiens against a side that, just like them, avoided defeat in their opening game in Group F: "The atmosphere will be massive right from the get-go, and both teams press high up the pitch, which could leave spaces in behind for Paris's forwards. Newcastle's defence is solid; they play very smartly and position themselves well, but they're not very quick. Newcastle play as a block, but Paris will be the favourites because they're experienced in these big European matches whereas this will be a huge occasion for The Magpies in their opening home game."

Pancrate, a quick and powerful striker during his time in Paris, agrees: "Newcastle have their strengths. They'll look to play forward, and that'll free up spaces for our strikers. Either way, this is a fantastic match-up that has all the hallmarks of a goalfest!"

Cabaye, meanwhile, is also expecting a close game and calls to mind the very special bond between Newcastle and France: "Newcastle's fans have a special relationship with French players. I got to feel that love and that affection during my time at the club. Allan Saint-Maximin and David Ginola are excellent examples of players who made a mark on the fans through their talent and their personality. Newcastle's fans have always had a special place in their hearts for French players."