Newcastle are set to return to Premier League action as they host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park, and Eddie Howe’s side will be confident of a win.
Newcastle are now unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, whilst Palace are currently suffering an injury crisis.
Howe’s side will have a tough run ahead, with fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Arsenal coming up in the next few weeks, and he may be tempted to rotate given that Newcastle are favourites and are also set to be without a number of players.
Newcastle vs Palace score predictions
Pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane have all now given their predictions for Saturday’s clash, with all three backing Newcastle for victory.
Speaking on the Stick To Football Podcast, Neville claimed that Newcastle would narrowly beat Palace 2-1, whilst Wright was confident that the Magpies would win 3-0.
Keane was sure Newcastle would win, but the former Man United midfielder hesitated when trying to decide whether they would be able to keep a clean sheet against Roy Hodgson’s side, before agreeing with Wright that it would end 3-0.
Newcastle should target a clean sheet
Given that Palace are missing two of their best creative players in Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Newcastle should be aiming for a convincing victory and a clean sheet at home.
Palace are just one point behind Newcastle, but have scored just seven goals compared to Newcastle’s 20. Only three sides have scored less than the Eagles, but only two sides have conceded less.
It may be a tougher game than the predicted scorelines suggest, but if Newcastle can find a goal, they should back themselves to see out victory.
All three fixtures between these two sides, including a League Cup tie last season, ended goalless, and Newcastle will hope that they can end the drawing streak against Palace on Saturday.
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