Newcastle United look to bounce back from a cruel midweek defeat as Crystal Palace visit St James’ Park.
Victory could see Newcastle climb back into the top ten, whilst Palace look to move further up the table with a win.
Team News
Alexander Isak is a minor doubt for Newcastle after he suffered a dead leg in his debut during Wednesday’s loss at Liverpool, although he should be fit enough to feature alongside Jamaal Lascelles who suffered cramp in that game.
Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin are both doubts with hamstring injuries but will face late fitness tests.
Emil Krafth (knee), Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson (all hamstring) remains absent.
Palace could be without Will Hughes who has picked up a knock but faces a late fitness test.
Jack Butland (hand), James Tomkins (calf), James McArthur (groin) and Nathan Ferguson (foot) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have claimed seven points from their last five meetings against Crystal Palace (W2, D1, L2).
- Palace have won just two of their last eight trips to St James’ Park (W2, D1, L5).
- Each of Newcastle’s last five home wins over Palace have been clinched by 1-0 results, with Miguel Almiron scoring the winner of each of their last two wins over Palace on Tyneside.
- Joelinton is the only non-English Newcastle player to have played every minute of the Magpies’ four league games so far this season.
- Palace’s Wilfried Zaha is yet to score a headed league goal this season.
Prediction
Following Wednesday’s cruel injury-time defeat at Liverpool, Newcastle surely will be eager to atone with a strong performance here because they did play incredibly well at Anfield in terms of attacking press and passes but poor marking cost them at least a deserved draw.
Palace meanwhile delivered a great response to last weekend’s collapse at Manchester City with a fast-paced attacking effort against Brentford, complete with a clinical goal and defending which was only let down by a late slip in man marking.
Tactics though could well play a part because I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams opt to go for their fast-paced high attacking intensity style, which could well create a cagey contest because Newcastle have fared well at home but Palace have been dangerous on the road this season.
Quite frankly, I think that anything could happen here if both teams play their best football, but I fancy a late smash and grab winner from Newcastle boosted by their home crowd.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Crystal Palace
Result: Newcastle 0-0 Crystal Palace
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