Magpies Ready to Pounce: Newcastle vs Crystal Palace Preview

Newcastle United's recent dominance puts them in a strong position for a top-three finish after their win over Manchester United. A victory over Crystal Palace would propel them to third place, with significant control over their European destiny.

Newcastle United's recent form puts them in a strong position for a top-three finish after their dominant win over Manchester United. A victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday would propel them to third place, just four points behind Arsenal. With six matches left, including against the Gunners, Newcastle would have significant control over their European destiny.

Recent history favors Newcastle, who have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight Premier League home games against Crystal Palace, including the last three matches. Crystal Palace have struggled against the Magpies, winning only one of their last seven league encounters (D4, L2). Newcastle's strong home record and recent dominance make them the team to beat.

Newcastle's Wednesday Advantage

Newcastle have a strong record on Wednesdays, winning five of their last six matches on this day. They've also been prolific scorers, netting 53 goals in recent matches, second only to Liverpool and Manchester City. Newcastle have a favorable midweek home record, losing just one of their last 12 Premier League games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

St James' Park erupts once again for Jacob Murphy! 🎶

The winger blasts into the roof of the net to give @NUFC the lead over Crystal Palace 💥#NEWCRY pic.twitter.com/uYsFAc6Qp7

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 16, 2025

The Magpies' Wednesday home form is particularly impressive, with five wins in their last six league matches at St. James' Park on this day, and one draw. This gives them a significant advantage against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace have shown consistency in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 13 Premier League matches, which could give them an edge. Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has struggled against Palace, winning just five of 21 games (D9, L7), a win rate of 24%. This is one of his worst records against any team he has faced more than 10 times.

Howe's absence due to pneumonia might not significantly impact the team, as assistant Jason Tindall can follow his instructions. Despite his physical absence, Howe's influence on the team would still be felt, given his significant role in shaping Newcastle's playing style and strategy.

Statistical Standoff

The November draw between Palace and Newcastle was a closely contested match with both teams cancelling each other out in almost every aspect. The stats were remarkably even, with similar numbers of corners (8-9), offside catches (2-2), and yellow cards (3-3). Possession (52%-48%), pass accuracy (80%-79%), and fouls (11-12) were also nearly identical.

The significant difference came in shots, with Palace having 16 attempts (4 on target) compared to Newcastle's single off-target shot. Despite this, Newcastle still managed to score through a Marc Guehi own goal, making it one of the rare instances where a team with one shot or fewer didn't lose the game.

It's nearly time for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace ⏱️

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— Premier League (@premierleague) April 16, 2025

Evenly Matched Teams

Newcastle and Crystal Palace are closely matched, as evident from their current form. Both teams have impressive records, with Palace losing only three of their last 12 games (W8, D1) and Newcastle losing four of their last 12 (W8). Notably, Newcastle haven't drawn a game in a while, their last draw being a 3-3 against Liverpool on December 4.

Newcastle's attacking talent could give them an edge. Players like Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes are all performing at a high level. Barnes has been particularly impressive, involved in nine goals in his last 11 Premier League starts.

Eze's Impact on Palace

Crystal Palace relies heavily on Eberechi Eze to create magic in attack. With a hand in eight goals in his last 11 Premier League starts (two goals, six assists), Eze is the team's key playmaker. He's taken 89 shots this season, the most by a Palace player since Christian Benteke in 2016/17.

With nothing to play for but pride, Palace becomes a dangerous opponent, especially against a team like Newcastle that's proven its Champions League credentials this season. Eze's form and determination could pose a significant threat to the Magpies.