Sunday’s Premier League meeting at St James’ Park brings together two sides separated by just a point in the table, with Newcastle sitting on 26 points and Crystal Palace on 27 points. The margins are tight enough to make this feel like a swing fixture for momentum, particularly with the schedule moving quickly and squad availability already shaping the conversation before a ball is kicked.
Recent league form adds extra context. Palace head to the North East looking for a first Premier League win in five matches, and the New Year’s Day draw with Fulham captured both the frustration and the spirit that has characterised that run. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half header put the Eagles in front before a late equaliser denied them maximum points, leaving Oliver Glasner to reflect on another performance where effort was evident but the decisive moments didn’t fall their way. Newcastle’s latest outing brought a timely boost, winning 3–1 away at Burnley on 30 December, a result that offered encouragement after a run that had made consistency harder to find.
That Burnley match also highlighted the variety Eddie Howe can draw on in attack when rhythm is right. Yoane Wissa marked his first league start with a goal, while Bruno Guimarães was on the scoresheet late on, and the early burst of two goals in the opening minutes showed a side capable of playing on the front foot and punishing opponents quickly. The challenge now is turning that into a platform rather than a one-off, especially as the manager has acknowledged the month ahead is demanding with minimal rest between games.
Team news will be monitored closely because both sides are dealing with notable absentees, particularly in defensive areas. Newcastle’s confirmed unavailable list for this one includes William Osula, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles, while Lewis Hall has been expected to be fit enough to feature after taking a knock in the win at Burnley. There is more positive news in the background too, with Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Anthony Elanga all reported as edging closer to returns to the matchday picture. Palace, meanwhile, continue to operate with a reduced group; Glasner has spoken recently about having limited on-field options available and indicated Eddie Nketiah is not expected to be available for this trip, with no one due back in time for Sunday. Chris Richards has also been absent recently, further stretching resources at the back.
With injuries influencing selection, individual form and key match-ups may become even more decisive. Mateta’s goal against Fulham underlined his importance to Palace’s threat, offering a focal point that can turn spells of pressure into real end product. Newcastle’s strength often starts in midfield, where the combination of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton brings power, control and the ability to drive the game forward at pace, especially at home where intensity tends to rise with the atmosphere. How Palace cope with that central pressure — and whether they can break into the spaces left by an aggressive approach — feels like a defining thread for the 90 minutes.
There is also a psychological edge to the setting. St James’ Park can tilt games, and Palace will be keen to show a tougher face than their last visit there, while Newcastle will view this as an opportunity to turn a single away win into a broader run that climbs them back toward the crowded middle of the table. With just one point separating the teams, a fast start, set-piece moments, and composure in transition could make the difference — and the side that manages its defensive reshuffle best may be the one leaving with something tangible to show for the afternoon.
