THERE will be an outstanding atmosphere at St James' Park on Wednesday as Newcastle United face AC Milan in the last game in the Champions League group.
And both sides have everything to play for.
The Geordies are currently in third place level on points with Milan and although their qualification destiny is no longer in their hands, they can still go through.
They have to beat the Italians and pray that Borussia Dortmund either win or secure a draw against PSG in Germany. Newcastle would qualify, with a draw in the other game because of a better head-to head record against the French moneybags.
Milan can still qualify too – they need to win and hope PSG lose at group winners Dortmund. A draw between the sides would see Newcastle go into the Europa League and send Milan out.
Neither side will go into this full of confidence after poor weekend results. Newcastle continue to be hamstrung with a huge injury list and were crushed by Spurs in London for their second three-goal defeat in days. They did at least see the return of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson.
But Milan lost at Atalanta and are now nine points behind leaders and rivals Inter.
How the bookies view it
Newcastle are odds-on across the board, but only just and can be backed at 17/20 with Paddy Power.
AC Milan are 3/1 with William Hill to get the win they need and the draw is also 3/1 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Newcastle United escaped with a goalless draw in the San Siro when the teams met in September in a backs-against-the-wall display. That was the only time the clubs have met.
Players to watch
The return of Callum Wilson is a huge boost for the Toon Army and, after getting half an hour at Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, he could be unleashed against Milan here. He is 7/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Evergreen 37-year-old hitman Olivier Giroud shows no sign of slowing down and has already bagged eight goals for Milan this season including at the weekend against Atalanta. He is 11/4 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Anything else catch the eye?
Newcastle have beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their last three home games and they should be backed to beat Milan here too.
They are a different side at their Geordie fortress and, injuries or no injuries, they will lift their game against an AC Milan who are no great shakes.
Although the first game was goalless, there should be goals here with both teams having to go all out for a win. Over 2.5 goals is 4/5 which is not as short as might be expected, so go for that with UniBet.
This UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United and AC Milan will be played on Dec 13, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs AC Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
