Prediction: Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

Prediction: Crystal Palace win

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back in our lives this weekend, contrary to what people may believe (because of the FA Cup). There are some important games that could impact the league table in a big way, especially down the bottom. One of the games that we’ll be enjoying will be up north, as Newcastle United prepare to host Crystal Palace. Both clubs have flirted with the idea of relegation in the last few months, and with the finish line in sight, they’ll want to ensure that they get themselves over that survival finish line.

Newcastle

Under the guidance of Rafa Benitez, Newcastle have been able to steady themselves in the Premier League this season – although consistency hasn’t been their friend. The biggest question mark over their future isn’t even whether or not they’ll get relegated, and instead, it’s whether or not Benitez will stay beyond the next few months. They’ve got the kind of infrastructure that you’d expect from a team in the top half of the table, but as we all know, it’s a little bit more complicated than that.

Team News

Isaac Hayden will miss out after going off in the game against Arsenal, whereas Fabian Schar is set to be assessed following his recent head injury.

Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson has been dividing opinions amongst Crystal Palace fans over the course of the last few months, but in the end, the main aim this season was always going to be survival. The Eagles aren’t really playing for anything else after their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Watford, and when it comes to this game, they need to stay focused. If they lose this one then there’s a chance, albeit a slim one, that they could be dragged right back down into the mix with the likes of Cardiff and Burnley.

Team News

The only injury problem for Palace is going to be Mamadou Sakho, although some changes are expected after the loss to Tottenham.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at St. James’ Park.
• Newcastle have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored nine goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have scored eight goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Both teams are in a pretty precarious position, and both teams have an interesting history with one another. We think that Newcastle are going to go ahead with a nicely worked goal, only for things to (ever so slightly) fall apart in the second half. We can see the Eagles taking over and actually taking the lead, before taking all three points late on. It won’t be enough to cause any real worry for the Magpies, but it’ll certainly make things interesting as the end of the season rapidly approaches.

Prediction: Crystal Palace win

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: bet365