It’s 15th vs 16th in the Premier League as Crystal Palace host Newcastle United on Sunday. The Eagles have been in decent form of late having picked up two wins and a draw from their last five games in all competitions. Rafa Benitez’s side, on the other hand, have struggled to pick up wins and have won just once in their last five outings in all competitions.
While the fixture list hasn’t been kind to Newcastle, their team’s lack of prolific goalscorers has played a bigger role in them not being able to close out games against the likes of Swansea City and Burnley. The clash against Palace could be a good game as both teams will go for it.
Unlike Palace, though, the Magpies have managed to sign a couple of big names who will make the first team immediately (when fit, of course). Kenedy has started well and played a part in almost every move the Tyneside outfit constructed, so the travelling away fans will expect the Brazilian to once again be influential in their side’s forward forays.
Team news
Crystal Palace have quite a lot of injuries to deal with, so it was a surprise that they didn’t try and sign a few more proven players. Jeffrey Schlupp and Scott Dann won’t be available for selection. However, Hodgson will have the services of Mamadou Sakho who could start alongside James Tomkins at the heart of the defence.
Former Newcastle defender Yohan Cabaye could make a return. The Eagles added Alexander Forloth in January but we could see Benteke continuing up front having recently ended his goal drought. Bakary Sako has been ruled out for the rest of the season, so we could see Zaha, Benteke and Townsend making up the front three.
For Newcastle, Slimani will have to pass the late fitness test. If he fails to make it for the game, expect Dwight Gayle to lead the line. Apart from that, we could see more or less see the same team that was named against Burnley.
Predicted lineups
Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey; Van Aanholt, Sakho, Tomkins, Fosu-Mensah; McArthur, Cabaye, Milivojevic; Zaha, Benteke, Townsend
Newcastle United XI: Darlow; Dummett, Lascelles, Clark, Yedlin; Diame, Merino, Kenedy, Perez, Atsu; Gayle
Odds and likely outcome
Palace could edge the Magpies owing to the quality of their attack. With Benteke back in amongst the goals and Zaha in good form, Newcastle will have a tough time keeping out the Eagles’ attack. Sakho will fortify the defence, so Gayle could be in for a quiet afternoon.
Crystal Palace 17/16
Draw 5/2
Newcastle 16/5
