Match Preview: Newcastle vs Crystal Palace, 1:30 AM, April 17: Building on Success

VHO – This is a matchup for the postponed 29th round of the Premier League between Newcastle and Crystal Palace. Compared to their London visitors, the home team at St James’ Park has a stronger motivation to secure all three points.

Form: Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle is on a high in their quest for a Champions League spot. With four consecutive victories, the team from the Northeast has climbed to 4th place with 56 points, now just one point behind the 3rd place team, and ahead of three competitors trailing by 1 and 2 points.

If they continue their winning streak in this postponed match, the Magpies will officially overtake Nottingham Forest and take 3rd place.

The objective is clear: Head coach Eddie Howe and his team need to bag all three points to create a significant advantage in the tight battle for a top 5 finish.

With impressive form and boosted by the spirit of winning the EFL Cup, Newcastle is not intimidated by any opponent at this time. Especially in the familiar surroundings of St James’ Park, the home side boasts an unbeaten run of 6 matches, with 5 victories.

Just a few days ago, Newcastle faced a tough opponent in Manchester United. Despite pre-match concerns, Eddie Howe’s side forced the struggling Manchester giants to endure a tough evening.

The resounding 4-1 victory showcased the formidable strength of a squad eager to return to the continent’s most prestigious stage.

Not only strong in attack, the Magpies have also demonstrated stability in defense. In addition to an average of nearly 3 goals per match over their last four outings, the home team has conceded just 3 goals in their last 5 matches.

Crystal Palace has been on a remarkable run for nearly two months, winning 6, drawing 1, and only losing 1 in their last 8 matches.

Additionally, under the management of Oliver Glasner, the team has shown impressive away form with an unbeaten streak of 8 matches (6 wins and 2 draws), before suffering a heavy 2-5 defeat during their visit to the home of reigning champions Manchester City.

The heavy loss at Etihad highlighted that Crystal Palace often struggles against top 5 teams. Currently sitting in 12th place with 43 points, the Eagles have secured their league status, with an 11-point gap to the European qualification spots, leaving their goals for the remainder of the season unclear.

However, Palace’s relaxed mindset may present some challenges for the home side. Newcastle could win, but it may only be by a narrow margin.

Team News for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle: Missing key defensive players such as Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall due to injuries.
Crystal Palace: Cheick Doucoure is the only player confirmed to be unavailable due to injury.

Expected Lineups

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta

Prediction: 2-1