Newcastle United are set to play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow and the Magpies need three points.
Newcastle United are one of four win-less teams in the Premier League as they head into this match against Crystal Palace tomorrow. Crystal Palace have bagged two victories from five matches this season and the Eagles will be looking for their third victory of the season in front of their home supporters.
Performance records aside, the two clubs are essentially equal in terms of quality and this will make the clash between the Magpies and the Eagles a competitive one. Newcastle got over their most difficult stretch of the season last weekend and they will now look to make up for several dropped points.
🎥 The players were in good spirits on the training pitch this morning as they continued their preparations for Saturday's @premierleague game at @CPFC. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/EI6XHZCwKg
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 20, 2018
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 P.M. and both sides will be eager to get on the field for this match. Last season, the matches between Newcastle and Crystal Palace were very entertaining and close, but it was Newcastle that claimed a victory at home and stole a point on the road. Rafa Benitez will hope that his men play with the same urgency as last season to get a result tomorrow.
Open Match
Benitez is well aware that he will have to alter his tactics to get a positive result on the road tomorrow. The Spaniard tactician prefers playing compact in the back and going forward through counter-attacks, but Newcastle will have to prepare for an open match tomorrow if they wish to attack more frequently.
Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend will do their best to unnerve Newcastle and they will surely have their moments, but the Magpies cannot stay focused on those two players. Instead, Newcastle need to play with tunnel vision and only focus on how they can move the ball forward to create opportunities for themselves.
Supporters expect Jonjo Shelvey and Salomon Rondon to be selected in the starting eleven this weekend and if they do get the nod it will be a major boost for Newcastle’s offensive efficiency. With the pressure of four losses on their shoulders, it is time for Newcastle to break out of their comfort zone and start playing attacking football.
Final Note
Tomorrow’s match does not present Newcastle with the best opportunity to take three points, but they do have a good chance at winning. Supporters from both sides can expect an open match with plenty of competition in midfield and several scoring opportunities. As long as Newcastle can remain composed on the road and play with urgency offensively, the Toon Army could see their Magpies claim their first victory of the season.