Crystal Palace and Newcastle United face each other on Sunday, with both clubs looking to build momentum after a shaky start to the Premier League season.
The Eagles are currently 14th in the table, with Newcastle just three places higher in 11th, underscoring how little separates the two sides heading into this encounter.
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 137/50
Bookmaker: 1xBet
Crystal palace
Pierre Sage’s first few months at Selhurst Park have been difficult following his arrival as Oliver Glasner’s successor.
Palas have won just two of their seven league matches so far and have struggled to build consistency in both domestic and European competition. A recurring issue was conceding the opening goal. The Eagles have been trailed in each of their last four matches in all competitions, forcing them to chase games far too often.
Despite these struggles, Palace can take encouragement from their recent record against Newcastle. Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a 2-1 victory for the South London club, and another win would secure back-to-back victories over the Magpies in the Premier League for the first time.
Team News
There is a welcome boost in defence. Axel Disasi is available again after suspension and should go straight into the starting line-up.
However, Palace are without Quinten Timber, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chadi Riad. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains a sporting concern and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
The lack of goals remains a concern. Of Palace’s seven different goalscorers this season, only left-back Tyrick Mitchell has managed to score more than one, underscoring his lack of a reliable focal point in attack.
Newcastle United
Expectations were high when Matthias Jaissle arrived at St James’ Park, but recent weeks have brought growing concerns.
Newcastle started the season strongly, avoiding defeat in their first five competitive matches and showing signs of improvement under their new manager. However, the defensive weaknesses that were apparent early on became more apparent.
The Magpies have lost three of their last four matches, including a 4-1 defeat against Coventry City. Equally concerning is the decline in offensive output. After starting the campaign with confidence in front of goal, Newcastle have scored just four goals in their last four matches.
This slump has seen them slip into mid-table despite hopes of a higher promotion.
Team News
The visitors also have injury concerns. Jacob Ramsey is unavailable, while Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen are out. Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Anthony Elanga face late fitness tests.
Harvey Barnes continues to be one of Newcastle’s main creative focal points, while Joe Willock and Elanga remain among the side’s top scorers this season.
Key factors to consider
- “Crystal Palace” has conceded the opening goal in each of the last 4 matches.
- Newcastle have lost three of their last four games in all competitions.
- “Palas” defeated “Newcastle” with a score of 2:1 in this match last season.
- The Magpies have scored just four goals in their last four matches.
- Palace struggled to find a consistent source of goals.
- Both teams enter the contest looking for more consistency.
The result
Neither side comes in particularly convincing form. Palace continue to struggle in attack, while Newcastle’s defensive issues coincide with a drop in results and performances.
The Eagles should benefit from home advantage and are generally competitive at Selhurst Park, but they have enough quality to avoid defeat if Newcastle rediscover some attacking fluency.
Given the shortcomings both teams have shown this season, it is likely to be a closely contested encounter with neither side looking convincing enough to secure all three points.
Verdict: draw
Best odds: 137/50
Bookmaker: 1xBet