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Preview: Newcastle are expected to handle business against Palace at home

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: A general view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton FC at St. James Park on December 08, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are favorites to claim all three points against Crystal Palace at St. James’ Park tomorrow.

Newcastle United will host Crystal Palace at St. James’ Park tomorrow, but this game might not be as competitive as we all expected it to be a few weeks ago. Roy Hodgson’s side can best be described as depleted at the moment. The Eagles will be without seven of their starters against the Magpies and will have multiple academy players on the bench.

Where They Stand

  • Crystal Palace: 9th, 23 points (6W-5D-6L)
  • Newcastle United: 11th, 22 points (6W-4D-7L)

Analysis

Despite being without several key players, Crystal Palace should not be undermined. The Eagles’ injury crisis makes them vulnerable and will force them to be more defensive, but Wilfried Zaha is a dynamic player who can influence the outcome of any game if he receives the ball in dangerous areas.

Newcastle United have also been hit with a few injuries to key players, but Steve Bruce still has a strong squad to choose from. Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron missed last weekend’s game against Burnley, but the extra week of rest could see them suit up for a winnable home game tomorrow. Shelvey’s return would be massive for the Magpies. The stand-in captain is leading the team with five goals and has done well to orchestrate the majority of attacks from the middle of the park.

One player who must improve and play with amnesia is Christian Atsu. With Allan Saint-Maximin out until mid-January, Atsu is the best available replacement for the Frenchman on the wing. Bruce can only hope that Atsu finds motivation in front of the Toon Army to step up his game and deliver some quality crosses from out wide. The Ghanaian has completed three assists this season.

If Newcastle United can set the tone of the game from the opening whistle I do not see Crystal Palace handing Bruce’s troops their second home loss of the season. However, if the Magpies get off to a slow start and lack creativity like they did last weekend, the Eagles could win despite missing seven key players.

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Predictions

After reading the injury update from Crystal Palace, Newcastle United are being tapped to win this game in front of their supporters on Tyneside. My score predictions reflect the Magpies’ advantage on paper, but Carson is not as optimistic. See our predictions below and feel free to share your predictions with us in the comments section.

  • Carson A. Merk: Newcastle United 2-2 Crystal Palace
  • Durim Halimi: Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace