Newcastle vs AC Milan Predictions

• Newcastle have won eight of their last nine home games
• Milan have won only one of their last eight Champions League matches and have failed to score in four of their last five away games in the competition
• The Magpies have kept a clean sheet in six of their last nine games at St James’ Park

Newcastle heading to knockouts

With these two sides locked on five points in Champions League Group F, there is plenty to play for at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.

Third place is the most likely prize for the winner of this fixture although second is still up for grabs and can be attained should Borussia Dortmund beat PSG, meaning knockout stage football in either the Champions League or Europa League is still available for both Newcastle and Milan.

The Rossoneri must win this clash as the Magpies boast a superior goal difference, with the head-to-head result not applicable given the reverse fixture finished 0-0, but they may find it hard to do so at the fortress that is St James’ Park.

Newcastle have won eight of their last nine home matches, beating giants Manchester City, PSG, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in that fantastic run.

The Toon Army can create a cauldron-like atmosphere and Milan may struggle to cope with that, just as PSG did when losing 4-1 earlier on in the group stage.

Milan’s travel sickness to continue

The Rossoneri have won this competition seven times and reached the semifinals last season, but find themselves on the brink of elimination this time around.

Their Champions League form has been far from inspiring, winning just once in their last eight games in the competition, and they look set to stay bottom of Group F.

They have failed to score in four of their last five Champions League away matches and could not find the net despite taking 25 shots in the reverse fixture, meaning Newcastle’s resolute defence may come out on top on Wednesday.

Milan’s domestic away form has not been much better, failing to win any of their last three road games and throwing away a point in the 95th minute at Atalanta on Saturday, suggesting they are likely to succumb to the raucous nature of St James’ Park as well as the pressure on them to secure a win.

What injury crisis?

Newcastle have been hit by a plethora of injuries this season, but it is a testament to Eddie Howe that they have fought through the lengthy absence of key players such as Sven Botman and Harvey Barnes to remain in the fight for knockout football in Europe.

A draw would be enough to see the Magpies into the Europa League knockout stage – a remarkable achievement given the group they were placed in – and they can show their mettle once again on Wednesday and fight through their injury situation once more.

Nick Pope will be a big miss, but Milan are known to misfire and the defence in front of Martin Dubravka can help the Slovak out and the hosts can quickly put their two heavy away defeats at Everton and Spurs behind them.

A draw would do for Newcastle but, as a mightily ambitious club, they will be looking for three points in the hope Dortmund can do them a favour so the Magpies can continue on their Champions League journey.