Newcastle vs Crystal Palace Preview

• Newcastle to win
• Both teams to score

Newcastle United saw their charge towards UEFA Champions League qualification gain serious momentum over the weekend as they demolished Manchester United 4-1 in arguably one of their most complete performances of the season.

Despite manager Eddie Howe being hospitalised with illness, the Magpies delivered a spirited display, earning praise from their absent boss, who congratulated them from his hospital bed. That victory marked their fourth Premier League win on the bounce, and the Magpies now have a golden opportunity to climb into the top three with this game in hand against Crystal Palace.

With both Arsenal and Liverpool faltering recently, Newcastle’s surge up the table couldn’t be better timed. If they manage to secure a fifth consecutive win by seeing off Palace, they’ll leapfrog both Manchester City and Aston Villa, moving into third place and opening up a five-point cushion over sixth. That would be a significant buffer in the race for the top five, which is set to offer a Champions League place due to England’s strong coefficient ranking in European competitions.

One major reason behind the Magpies’ resurgence is their formidable home form. Newcastle are currently on a run of three straight Premier League victories at St James’ Park, and they’ll now look to extend that to four for the first time this season. In fact, there’s another trend that hints at entertainment being likely – their last nine league games on home soil have all produced over 2.5 goals, with the Magpies scoring 25 and conceding 12 during that thrilling run.

A rejuvenated Harvey Barnes has played a key role in Newcastle’s attacking fluency, and the former Leicester City winger will again be a key figure here. His brace against Manchester United saw him become only the second Newcastle player after Alan Shearer to net a Premier League double against the Red Devils. All eight of Barnes’ league goals this season have come after the half-hour mark, and his sharpness in the final third could prove pivotal in breaking down a sometimes stubborn Palace rearguard.

As for Crystal Palace, they arrive on Tyneside licking their wounds after a humbling 5-2 defeat to Manchester City. That result ended a five-match unbeaten run in the league (W4, D1), but it wasn’t without moments of promise, as the Eagles raced into a 2-0 lead before being overrun by Pep Guardiola’s title chasers. Manager Oliver Glasner remained upbeat in the aftermath, reminding fans and media that the last time they conceded five goals – a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in December – they responded with another five-match unbeaten streak.

That resilience will be needed once again, especially at a ground where Palace have traditionally struggled. They’ve only won one of their last six Premier League visits to St James’ Park (D1, L4), and worryingly, they’ve failed to score in any of their last four trips to Tyneside. In fact, they’ve drawn a blank in three of the last four H2Hs in all competitions, including a goalless draw in last season’s corresponding fixture.

However, Glasner’s men have shown greater attacking consistency on the road recently, scoring exactly twice in five of their last six Premier League away games (W4, D1, L1). Eberechi Eze, in particular, has been instrumental in Palace’s creative and goalscoring exploits. The dynamic playmaker has six goal contributions in his last five outings for club and country (G3, A3), with each of his last three goals for Palace serving as the opening goal of the match. If the visitors are to trouble Newcastle, Eze’s early influence could be decisive.

Another reason for Palace to be optimistic is the freedom that comes with already having secured Premier League safety. While a top-half finish is now their primary target, the lack of relegation pressure may allow Glasner’s team to play with greater freedom and express themselves, especially on the break – a tactic that has proven effective against Newcastle in the past.

Key Stats

• Newcastle United have won each of their last four Premier League games, scoring 13 goals in the process.
• The Magpies have seen over 2.5 goals in each of their last nine Premier League home matches.
• Crystal Palace have lost four of their last six league visits to St James’ Park, failing to score in the last four.
• The Eagles have scored exactly two goals in five of their last six away league fixtures.
• Eberechi Eze has been directly involved in six goals in his last five appearances (G3, A3).

Players to Watch

Harvey Barnes (Newcastle)

Barnes is peaking at just the right time for the Magpies, with three goals in his last two outings.

His movement off the ball and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for tiring defenders in the latter stages of matches.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

The Eagles’ creative spark, Eze’s ability to unlock defences and score from distance has made him Palace’s key attacking asset.

If he can get on the ball early and exploit spaces, Palace could threaten Newcastle’s backline.

Prediction

Both sides possess the attacking quality to entertain under the lights at St James’ Park. However, Newcastle’s imperious home form and greater consistency should see them through, though Palace’s recent away record suggests they’ll likely get on the scoresheet.

Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Crystal Palace

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Newcastle v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League