Newcastle United, Crystal Palace go head-to-head in Sunday’s clash.
Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace kicks off at 15:00 [GMT] on Sunday, January 4, at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United will welcome Crystal Palace to St. James’ Park for a Premier League encounter shaped by recent dominance on Tyneside and contrasting momentum between the two sides. Newcastle have lost just one of their last eight league meetings with Crystal Palace, a 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park in April 2024. At home, however, the Magpies have been particularly commanding. They have won their last two home league matches against Palace by emphatic margins, recording 4-0 and 5-0 victories. Those results saw Newcastle score four or more goals in consecutive home league games against the same opponent for the first time since a run against Luton between 1947 and 1956. Newcastle began the 2025 calendar year with a 2-1 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur, though consistency has been harder to find since. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 win at Burnley, and only once this season have they managed to string together consecutive Premier League victories, when they overcame Manchester City and Everton in November. On a personal note, Bruno Guimarães is enjoying one of his most productive league campaigns. His six goals in 18 appearances already represent his second-best scoring season in the Premier League, behind only his 2023-24 return. In addition, Newcastle’s attacking options have been bolstered by Yoane Wissa, who has made an immediate impact since joining the club. He has been involved in eight goals across his last eight Premier League starts, scoring six and assisting twice. He will be hoping to make an impact here again. A 4—3—3 formation with Wissa, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy in attack is expected against Palace.
Palace have failed to score in any of their last four Premier League away games at St. James’ Park, managing just a single draw while losing three times. Crystal Palace arrive with mixed away form. Their last road trip ended in a heavy 4-1 defeat at Leeds, conceding just one goal fewer than they had across their previous eight away league matches combined. Offensive output away from home has been a recurring issue, particularly for striker Eddie Nketiah. He has scored only once in his last 40 Premier League away appearances, finding the net at Fulham last month. Notably, he has not scored a top-flight goal north of London since his first Premier League strike in May 2019. With recent history favoring the hosts and Palace seeking greater attacking consistency on the road, the contest at St. James’ Park brings together two sides with contrasting strengths shaped by venue, form, and individual contributions. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Mateta in attack is expected here.