Three points will not come easy against Crystal Palace on the road, but Newcastle United can showcase their true quality.
Anything can happen later this afternoon. Newcastle United could claim their first victory, they could draw or they could be handed their fifth loss of the season. All of this remains to be seen, however, one thing we do know is that the Magpies will be seeking three points at Selhurst Park.
There is an ongoing debate related to Newcastle’s current run of form. Most people, including neutral observers, understand that Newcastle are struggling due to their rigorous schedule they were handed to start the season. Some supporters are already concerned about the direction of the club and they fear the worst. So, where do the Magpies really stand?
Quality of Newcastle United
The aforementioned debate and mixed feelings surrounding the club will only be put to rest through a positive run of form. Matches against mediocre, mid-table sides such as Crystal Palace provide Newcastle with great opportunities to alter their playing style. In other words, no more ultra-defensive formations, but rather 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formations that scream attack.
Thus far this season, Newcastle have shown flashes of greatness, mediocrity and poor quality. It is difficult to determine where the Magpies stand in comparison to other Premier League sides that have spent more money during the summer transfer window. Newcastle were a team of positive and negative streaks last season, and a positive streak could very well begin today.
Crystal Palace does not boast a strong defensive unit and this will enable Newcastle to showcase their true colors offensively. Although Rafa Benitez does not prefer playing back-and-forth football, the Magpies do play better and look more confident in matches that are wide open in midfield.
Newcastle Will Improve
To throw my two cents into the mix, my personal opinion is that Newcastle will rebound from their tough stretch of matches. The defensive unit was forced to put in extra work against Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal, while the strikers have not had a chance to show what they have in them. That will change today against Crystal Palace, next week against Leicester City and after the match with Manchester United on October 6th.
With the match against Crystal Palace only a few hours away, our staff here wish the Magpies the best of luck in London. We can only hope that we write our first victory article of the season later today.
Howay the lads!