Eddie Howe’s side know nothing but a win against last season’s Champions League semi-finalists will give them a sniff at qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.
However, they welcome Milan having seen their squad decimated by injuries in recent times and face another potential blow with Martin Dubravka a doubt for the game against Stefano Pioli’s side.
The returns of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson have helped their selection woes and their record at St James’ Park can give the team confidence of pulling off a famous win and potentially qualifying for the Round of 16.
Here, we take a look at the starting XI Howe could name for their crunch Champions League clash against AC Milan at St James’ Park:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
Seems to have shaken off an illness after missing training on Tuesday.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier will miss Saturday’s Premier League game with Fulham and so will get an overdue rest at the weekend. He has been brilliant in Europe and will be needed in tonight’s must win game.
3. CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles didn’t feature in the reverse fixture at the San Siro but has become a key part of Newcastle’s starting side in Sven Botman’s absence. He will wear the captain’s armband at St James’ Park.
4. CB: Fabian Schar
If this is Newcastle’s final Champions League match of the campaign, then the lasting memory may be Schar’s stunning strike against PSG.