The 205 minute run that Newcastle United simply must end against Crystal Palace

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United need a result on Saturday against Crystal Palace, at a ground where their form is not brilliant.

The Magpies are so reliant on their home record, with St James’ Park turning into a fortress under Eddie Howe.

But with Newcastle United suffering a shock defeat to West Ham on Monday at home, there is added pressure on this weekend’s fixture at Selhurst Park.

While Crystal Palace are struggling down in 19th, Newcastle have their own issues. The loss against the Hammers highlighted their lack of consistency, while it also exposed Newcastle’s inability to break down teams that use a low block.

Goals are proving to be an issue for Eddie Howe, which is far from ideal ahead of Newcastle’s trip to South London.

Newcastle United’s recent form away to Crystal Palace

In recent years, Newcastle United have not had much joy at Selhurst Park.

The last time the Magpies won away to Crystal Palace was November 2020, back when games were being played behind closed doors due to COVID.

The last time Newcastle beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League in front of a crowd was December 2013. Alan Pardew’s side won 3-0, thanks to strikes from Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa, plus a Danny Gabbidon own goal.

Newcastle have failed to win their last three games away to the Eagles. Last season they lost 2-0, and the season before that it was a 0-0 draw. The 2021/22 campaign also saw Newcastle draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Callum Wilson scoring an overhead kick to hand caretaker boss Graeme Jones a 1-1 draw following the departure of Steve Bruce.

That 65th minute goal was the last time Newcastle United scored at Selhurst Park. That means they have since played 205 minutes there without finding the net.

Newcastle have a problem scoring against Crystal Palace

In fact, Newcastle have problems scoring goals against Crystal Palace whether they are at home or away.

The Magpies have failed to score in four of their previous five games against the Eagles, including three consecutive 0-0 draws.

The only game that Newcastle have scored against Crystal Palace in that period was at home last season. On that day, Eddie Howe’s side put four past their opponents.

While Paul Merson has predicted a four-goal thriller between Newcastle and Crystal Palace this weekend, the history books would dictate that it will be a low scoring affair.

Given Newcastle’s desperate need for a win, they must end their Selhurst Park woes on Saturday.