Flying Magpies to conquer South London?
Crystal Palace take on Newcastle United in the Saturday evening Premier League kick-off as the Magpies look to cement their place inside the top six.
Eddie Howe’s men showed some grit to get past Fulham to a 1-0 scoreline last time out, in what was not a convincing display.
That said, a gruelling schedule can be pointed towards for that performance, they have an advantage in their preparation for this fixture with the Eagles hosting Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
Palace have lost three times without scoring since the World Cup break, with a win over lowly Bournemouth in between.
Losing both fixtures at Selhurst Park this week could see Patrick Vieira come under a bit of pressure in the dugout, in what looks set to be a fairly uninspiring January transfer window for the club.
Process
The Magpies have been a very dangerous attacking unit this season, scoring 33 goals from 19 games and creating chances equating to 37.4 expected goals (xG) for.
Creating shooting opportunities at just under 2 xGF per game is very healthy in pursuing a top six finish, and the first halves of the season from Liverpool and Chelsea should leave the door ajar for the Magpies to secure European football.
Although, they will be looking over their shoulders with the form that Brighton and Hove Albion are on at the moment.
Palace have scored just 17 goals from 18 games so far this season, a very disappointing tally considering the make-up of their frontline.
Wilfried Zaha’s contract expiring at the end of the season may be creating some uncertainty amongst the squad.
Newcastle have conceded just 11 goals from 19 league games, with Nick Pope having a tremendous debut season after arriving from Burnley in the summer.
Goals?
I like unders in this one, but with the schedule advantage I am happy to back the Magpies outright at a slightly bigger price.
Palace have scored in four of ten.
Palace have conceded in seven of ten.
Palace have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Palace have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Newcastle have scored in seven of ten.
Newcastle have conceded in two of ten.
Newcastle have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Newcastle have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
0-0, a good week for Palace.