Crystal Palace and Newcastle United go head-to-head on Sunday with both clubs looking to build momentum after inconsistent starts to the Premier League season.

The Eagles currently sit 14th in the table, while Newcastle are only three places higher in 11th, highlighting how little separates the two sides heading into this encounter.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 137/50

Bookmaker: 1xBet

Crystal Palace

Pierre Sage’s first few months at Selhurst Park have been challenging following his arrival as Oliver Glasner’s successor.

Palace have won only two of their seven league matches so far and have struggled to establish consistency in either domestic or European competition. One recurring issue has been conceding the opening goal. The Eagles have fallen behind in each of their last four matches in all competitions, forcing them to chase games far too often.

Despite those struggles, Palace can take encouragement from their recent record against Newcastle. Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a 2-1 victory for the South London club, and another win would secure consecutive Premier League triumphs over the Magpies for the first time.

Team News

There is a welcome boost defensively. Axel Disasi is available again after suspension and should slot straight back into the starting lineup.

However, Palace remain without Quinten Timber, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chadi Riad. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson remains a fitness concern and will be assessed closer to kickoff.

A lack of goals remains a concern. Of Palace’s seven different scorers this season, only left-back Tyrick Mitchell has managed more than one goal, underlining the absence of a reliable focal point in attack.

Newcastle United

Expectations were high when Matthias Jaissle arrived at St James’ Park, but recent weeks have brought growing concerns.

Newcastle began the season strongly, avoiding defeat in their first five competitive matches and showing signs of progress under their new manager. However, defensive weaknesses that were visible early on have become more pronounced.

The Magpies have lost three of their last four matches, with the 4-1 defeat against Coventry City proving particularly damaging. Equally worrying has been a decline in attacking output. After beginning the campaign with confidence in front of goal, Newcastle have scored only four goals across their last four matches.

That downturn has seen them slide into mid-table despite hopes of challenging much higher.

Team News

The visitors also have injury concerns. Jacob Ramsey remains unavailable, while Tino Livramento and Ewen Jaouen are sidelined. Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Anthony Elanga face late fitness tests.

Harvey Barnes continues to be one of Newcastle’s key creative outlets, while Joe Willock and Elanga remain among the side’s leading scorers this season.

Key Factors to Consider

• Crystal Palace have conceded the opening goal in each of their last four matches.
• Newcastle have lost three of their last four games in all competitions.
• Palace beat Newcastle 2-1 in this fixture last season.
• The Magpies have scored only four goals in their last four matches.
• Palace have struggled to find a consistent source of goals.
• Both teams enter the contest searching for greater consistency.

Conclusion

Neither side arrives in particularly convincing form. Palace continue to struggle in attack, while Newcastle’s defensive issues have coincided with a downturn in results and performances.

The Eagles should benefit from home advantage and are generally competitive at Selhurst Park, but Newcastle possess enough quality to avoid defeat if they rediscover some attacking fluency.

Given the flaws both teams have exhibited this season, a closely contested match appears likely, with neither side looking fully convincing enough to secure all three points.