Newcastle vs PSV prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 21, 2026
As part of the seventh round of the UEFA Champions League main stage, English side Newcastle will face Dutch powerhouse PSV. The clash is set to take place in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Wednesday, January 21. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. I’m backing a high-scoring affair in this one.
Match preview
Newcastle head into this match after two disappointing domestic results. First, the team fell to Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final — while there’s still a second leg to play, their chances of reaching the final now look slim. Then, the Magpies couldn’t get the better of league strugglers Wolverhampton. Before those setbacks, though, Eddie Howe’s men had put together a solid four-match unbeaten run.
In the Champions League, Newcastle’s position is quite secure. The club has picked up 10 points and currently sits 12th; remember, a top-24 finish is required to advance to the next stage. The English side have three convincing victories under their belt — against Belgian side Union (4-0), Portuguese giants Benfica (3-0), and Spain’s Athletic Bilbao (2-0). All their wins have been emphatic. In the last round before the break, Newcastle drew with Bayer (2-2), letting victory slip away in the dying minutes after a goal from Alejandro Grimaldo.
PSV, meanwhile, are in phenomenal form. The Dutch club have won 11 of their last 12 matches and, in their most recent Eredivisie outing, snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Fortuna, scoring in the final minutes. PSV are clear leaders in the Dutch league, and it’s hard to imagine anything stopping them from claiming the title. As a result, their main focus will likely now shift to the Champions League to secure progression to the next round.
In Europe’s premier competition, Peter Bosz’s side have posted perfectly balanced results: two wins, two draws, and two defeats. PSV’s victories have been truly spectacular — thrashing Italian champions Napoli 6-2 and beating English giants Liverpool 4-1. In the last round, the Dutch outfit narrowly lost to Atlético Madrid (2-3). To guarantee a spot in the next phase, PSV need to beat Newcastle, as their final group match is against Bayern — a daunting prospect where points will be incredibly hard to come by.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Newcastle have won four of their last six matches.
- PSV have come out on top in all of their last six games.
- However, PSV have conceded in each of their last four matches.
- These two sides have never faced each other before.
Probable lineups
- Newcastle: Pope - Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton - Barnes, Gordon, Woltemade
- PSV: Kovář - Dest, Schouten, Gasiorowski, Júnior - Man, Veerman, Wanner, Perišić - Pepi, Til
Prediction
I expect this to be a thrilling and high-scoring encounter. Both teams boast quality attacking players capable of creating and converting chances. That’s why I’m backing both sides to find the net. My prediction: both teams to score — yes.
