St James’ Park becomes the stage for a crucial mid-table Premier League showdown, as Newcastle United host Crystal Palace this weekend.
With both sides separated by just a single point and jostling for position, the match offers a fascinating clash of styles: Newcastle’s clinical finishing meets Palace’s underlying attacking potential. Kick-off is set for Sunday, 3:00 PM, in a fixture that could shape the ambitions of both clubs as the second half of the season gets underway.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on season-long attacking patterns and recent head-to-head trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re especially confident in Newcastle’s attacking output, given their superior finishing and home record against Palace.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 4/5 @ Betfair (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | The match between Newcastle and Crystal Palace is statistically set for both teams to score. As of 02/01/26, Crystal Palace possess one of the league’s best away records, scoring in 89% of their road matches. Newcastle, despite their defensive reputation, have conceded in 78% of their home games. With both teams averaging over 1.1 goals scored per game and sitting on 26 points, the competitive nature of this mid-table clash, combined with Palace’s potent away attack, makes a BTTS outcome highly probable at St James’ Park. |
| Bruno Guimaraes to Assist Anytime | 5/1 @ SkyBet (16.7%) | ⭐⭐ | Bruno Guimarães is Newcastle’s creative heartbeat, making him a prime candidate for an assist. He leads the team with 24 shot assists and is credited with 20 big chance assists this season . This high volume of chance creation, particularly from a deep-lying position, highlights his ability to unlock defences. Facing a Crystal Palace side that has conceded 20 goals , Guimarães’s consistent creative output makes the Over 0.5 assists a statistically sound proposition. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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Newcastle vs Crystal Palace match odds
How both teams head into Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle United’s 2025/2026 Premier League season has been one of inconsistency, leaving them in the mid-table battle. As of 02/01/2026, they sit 13th with 26 points from 19 games (7W, 5D, 7L) . Their goal difference is a narrow +2, having scored 29 goals and conceded 27.
The team’s attack has been functional, with Nick Woltemade and Bruno Guimarães leading the scoring charts with 6 goals each . However, their form has been patchy, with a recent run of results failing to build momentum. St. James’ Park remains a crucial factor, providing the bulk of their points. Despite the attacking talent, the inability to consistently keep clean sheets and a reliance on home form have prevented a sustained push for the European places, making their season a tale of unfulfilled potential so far.
Crystal Palace’s 2025/2026 Premier League season has been a solid, if unspectacular, campaign, positioning them comfortably in mid-table. As of 02/01/2026, they sit 10th with 27 points from 19 games (7W, 6D, 6L) . Their defensive record is a key strength, having conceded only 21 goals, contributing to a positive +1 goal difference.
However, their attack has been less prolific, with a reliance on Jean-Philippe Mateta for goals. Their home form at Selhurst Park has been inconsistent, with only 10 points from 9 matches (2W, 4D, 3L) . A recent 1-1 draw against Fulham on New Year’s Day, where Mateta scored the first goal of 2026, highlights their tendency for tight, low-scoring affairs. The team’s challenge remains translating defensive solidity into consistent attacking output to push for a top-half finish.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle United’s squad is facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of the Palace match. Key defenders Sven Botman (back) and Dan Burn (rib) are both listed as doubtful or out . However, there is positive news as Tino Livramento is reportedly close to an early return from a knee injury . Crucially, Newcastle is not significantly impacted by AFCON 2025 absences. Manager Eddie Howe will need to shuffle his backline, but the potential return of Livramento offers a timely boost.
Crystal Palace team news
Crystal Palace are severely hampered by a mounting injury list and AFCON absences. Manager Oliver Glasner admitted the squad is in “survival mode” with at least ten players set to be unavailable . Midfielder Will Hughes was forced off with an injury against Fulham, adding to the list. Key AFCON absentee Ismaïla Sarr is away with Senegal . The sheer volume of absences, particularly in midfield and defence, presents a major selection crisis for the trip to St. James’ Park.
Season Form & Standings
Both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace find themselves in mid-table with nearly identical records, but Palace hold a narrow edge in the standings. Recent results have seen both sides struggle for consistency, with Newcastle slipping two places to 13th after a mixed run, and Palace just ahead in 10th but also dropping back from their previous top-8 position.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 10 | 19 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 21 | +1 | 27 |
| Newcastle United | 13 | 19 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 26 | 24 | +2 | 26 |
Head-to-Head: Last 5 Meetings
Newcastle United have enjoyed the better of this fixture in recent years, particularly at St James’ Park, but draws have also been common. Here are the most recent meetings:
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 16/04/25 | Newcastle United 5-0 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 30/11/24 | Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle United | Premier League |
| 24/04/24 | Crystal Palace 2-0 Newcastle United | Premier League |
| 21/10/23 | Newcastle United 4-0 Crystal Palace | Premier League |
| 21/01/23 | Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle United | Premier League |
Conclusion
Will Newcastle’s clinical edge at home be enough to overcome a Palace side that consistently creates chances but often fails to finish them off? With both teams boasting in-form forwards and creative midfielders, this is a contest where attacking quality could decide the outcome. Our top selection is both teams to score, available at 4/5 with Betfair (55.6% implied probability), making it a strong single or a smart start to any weekend accumulator.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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