Premier League 2025-26 : Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace Match Preview & Lineups
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Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace
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MATCH INFO
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MATCH :
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Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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DATE:
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04-01-2026
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TIME:
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08.30 PM IST
07.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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St. James' Park
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Newcastle United 3 - 1 Crystal Palace
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Henderson, Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Canvot, Mitchell; Devenny, Pino; Mateta
Premier League Match Preview: Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle United closed out 2025 with a rare away success, defeating Burnley 3–1 to register just their second victory on the road from 10 attempts this season. That result offered a timely boost for Eddie Howe’s side, whose form away from Tyneside has lagged well behind their home performances.
At St James’ Park, the Magpies have been far more convincing. Howe’s men have collected five wins from nine league matches on home soil, alongside two draws and two defeats. Since suffering losses in two of their first three home fixtures, Newcastle have steadied impressively, winning four and drawing two, with only Arsenal managing to outplay them at home since late September.
Their most recent outing at St James’ Park ended in frustration, however, as a commanding display against Chelsea unravelled after surrendering a 2–0 lead to draw 2–2. Nevertheless, Newcastle will be confident of exploiting Crystal Palace’s inconsistent form, especially with 17 of their total points coming at home — almost double their return on the road.
With just one point separating 13th-placed Newcastle from Palace, three points on Sunday could propel the Magpies as high as seventh in the Premier League, depending on results elsewhere.
Team News and Key Players
Newcastle emerged unscathed from their victory at Burnley, but Howe continues to contend with an extensive injury list. Kieran Trippier, Emile Krafth, Sven Botman, William Osula, Jamaal Lascelles, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn and Valentino Livramento all remain sidelined.
Bruno Guimarães has been Newcastle’s most decisive player this season, registering two match-winning goals and contributing six league strikes overall. The Brazilian midfielder will once again be central to the hosts’ ambitions. Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa has shown encouraging signs of rediscovering his rhythm, scoring twice in his last four league appearances after a lengthy injury layoff earlier in the campaign.
Crystal Palace’s injury woes are even more severe. Will Hughes was forced off early in the draw against Fulham and joins a growing list of absentees that includes Daichi Kamada, Daniel Muñoz, Rio Cardines, Caleb Kporha, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucouré, Eddie Nketiah and Chadi Riad. Ismaila Sarr is also unavailable as he continues international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who ended his goal drought in the Fulham draw, will be Palace’s main attacking threat. The French striker has eight league goals this season, though only two have come away from home — a statistic that underlines his mixed performances on the road.
New signing Brennan Johnson, who joined Palace on Friday, may have to settle for a substitute appearance, with Oliver Glasner likely to ease the former Tottenham Hotspur forward into action.
