Newcastle vs AC Milan tips and predictions: Battered Mags to dig deep on magical night at St James’
- George Dempsey
- 12 December 2023
Newcastle United must avoid defeat to AC Milan to secure a spot in the Europa League, but a win at St James’ Park could see them extend their stay in the Champions League.
Newcastle United’s players look shattered, but that didn’t stop them from beating Manchester United 1-0 or holding PSG to a 1-1 draw at Parc des Prince.
Eddie Howe’s side have capitulated in their previous Premier League outings, shipping seven goals and making a host of uncharacteristic mistakes.
Despite that, Milan are struggling in the group and haven’t been in great domestic form on their travels.
The Magpies can also count of some fresh legs in the form of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson, both of whom returned to the bench at the weekend.
Despite the fact they’re running on fumes, United seem to find an extra 20% at St James’ Park where they’re roared on by the partizan crowd.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd have all been vanquished in the past month and the dangling carrot of knockout football will be enough to keep them going.
Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli's visitors have won just two of eight on their travels and have conceded 16 goals in those games. They seem to lack discipline in key moments.
The Italians have been self-imploding in the second half of matches, throwing away 2-0 leads and conceding late goals.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria and Olivier Giroud have been shown a red card in their previous four away matches, while Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori have also seen red this season.
Team news
Even those available for selection are starting to look like the walking wounded. Fatigue is kicking in, so Eddie Howe will be thrilled to welcome back Longstaff and Wilson.
Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Javier Manquillo, Matt Target, Jacob Murphy, Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are ruled out.
Sandro Tonali’s suspension means he will miss out on facing his former club again.
Key stats
- Newcastle United have won eight of nine at home in all competitions
- Inter Milan have failed to win 24 of their previous 30 Champions League away games
- Inter Milan have failed to win eight of 10 on their travels
- Inter Milan have shipped 16 goals in their previous eight away games
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