Newcastle United are riding a wave of momentum as they continue their charge toward a top-five finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification, following a statement 4-1 victory over Manchester United. Sunday’s win marked their fourth consecutive Premier League triumph, and it came under remarkable circumstances, with manager Eddie Howe congratulating his team from his hospital bed after falling ill earlier in the week.
The Magpies now prepare to host Crystal Palace in a key game in hand — a win would not only mark a fifth league victory in a row, but also see Newcastle rise to third in the standings, five points clear of sixth. Adding to their confidence, they’re eyeing a fourth straight Premier League win at St James’ Park, something they haven’t yet achieved this season.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s home matches have consistently delivered drama and goals. Their last nine Premier League home games have all featured over 2.5 goals, underlining their attacking flair and vulnerability at the back — a combination that makes for thrilling football.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are regrouping after a frustrating 5-2 defeat to Manchester City, a game in which they led 2-0 before conceding five unanswered goals. That loss ended a solid five-match unbeaten run (W4, D1). Despite the setback, manager Oliver Glasner remains positive, reminding fans that the last time Palace conceded five goals — against Arsenal in December — they responded with another five-match unbeaten stretch.
However, history isn’t on Palace’s side when it comes to trips to Tyneside. They’ve won just one of their last six visits to St James’ Park (D1, L4) and have failed to score in the last four of those meetings. Still, Palace have proven dangerous on the road recently, scoring exactly twice in five of their last six away league matches (W4, D1, L1).
Players to watch:
- Harvey Barnes (Newcastle) has hit top form, netting a brace against Manchester United and scoring three goals in his last two games. Remarkably, all eight of his Premier League goals this season have come after the 30th minute, making him a second-half threat.
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) continues to shine, with six goal contributions (3 goals, 3 assists) in his last five outings for club and country. He also has a knack for opening the scoring — each of his last three goals for Palace were the first of the match.
Hot stat:
Only one of Newcastle’s last 18 Premier League matches has been goalless at half-time, suggesting early action is likely once again.
As both teams chase differing objectives — Newcastle aiming for Europe and Palace hoping for a top-half finish — expect a fierce and open encounter under the lights at St James’ Park.
