Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Newcastle
Verdict: Newcastle win
Best Odds: 5/6
Looking to extend on their Champions League charge this weekend, Newcastle will make the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
Crystal Palace
Starting with the hosts, snatching what was a stunning last-gasp point at home against a high-flying Manchester United earlier in the week, Crystal Palace will be desperate to use that display as a platform to build on. However, almost finding themselves sat in Premier League limbo, Patrick Vieira will be calling on his side to find some much-needed stability. Suffering an FA Cup collapse against relegation scrappers Southampton on January 7th as they slumped to a 2-1 loss, the ex-Nice boss has seen his side win just one of their last eight domestic matchups across all formats on either side of the World Cup break. With that run stemming all the way back to a 2-1 win away at West Ham on November 6th, the Eagles will be more than aware that they face another tough test in south London. It should also be noted, Vieira’s side have won just one of their last six meetings against Saturday’s guests.
Team News
Crystal Palace have confirmed that central defender Joachim Andersen has suffered a calf injury and will not likely feature until next month. Chris Richards should retain his spot in the heart of Vieira’s defence.
Alongside Andersen, the Eagles will also be without long-term absentees Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur on Saturday evening.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, snatching a dramatic last-gasp winner against Fulham last weekend as they clinched a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park, Newcastle are enjoying a remarkable purple patch this season. While Eddie Howe’s side might have just about clung to their Premier League status last year, the former Bournemouth boss now has a famous Champions League finish at the top of their agenda. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits, the Magpies have suffered just a sole top-flight defeat so far. With the mood in their camp at the highest it has been in recent memory, Howe’s side will simply be looking to keep up their top-four charge on Saturday evening. Rightfully receiving a reputation for their new-found defensive resolve, it should also be noted that Newcastle have shipped just a single strike in any of their last seven Premier League showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to October 23rd.
Team News
In what has been a real blow for Newcastle, Howe’s side will once again be without midfield talisman Bruno Guimaraes at Selhurst Park. The likes of Emil Krafth, Matt Target, Jonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummet will also not feature here.
While England international Callum Wilson might be waiting for his first post-World Cup strike, the 30-year-old should lead Newcastle’s charge.
Key Factors to Consider
- Newcastle have lost just one of their previous six matchups against Crystal Palace across all formats.
- Likewise, the Magpies have lost just a sole Premier League appearance so far this season.
- Howe’s high-flying squad have also conceded just a single Premier League strike from their last seven outings.
- Crystal Palace have managed to win just one of their previous eight appearances on either side of the World Cup break.
- 12 of the last 13 meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Crystal Palace might have snatched a last-gasp point against Manchester United in midweek, the Eagles will know that they face another huge test here. With Newcastle eventually edging their way past Fulham last weekend thanks to a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park, the Magpies have their sights set on securing a top-four finish in 2023. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their defensive steel and suffering just a single Premier League defeat this season, Howe’s side will be smelling a chance here. Losing just one of their previous six showdowns against Saturday’s hosts, we’re backing an away victory in south London.
Verdict: Newcastle win
Best Odds: 5/6
