23rd Apr 2024 • Written by Josh Holloway

Crystal Palace aim to extend winning streak

Credit: Richard Pelham (Getty)

Match Details: Premier League, 24/04/2024, 20:00 Kick Off, Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace are not finished yet..

After an impressive 1-0 victory at Anfield and then a dominant display against West Ham, Crystal Palace fans finally feel confident in the club’s ability to win matches.

Now comfortably 11 points above the dropzone, Palace seem set to retain their Premier League status for the eleventh consecutive season. .

Supporters of Crystal Palace have been clutching pillows tight to their chests for the majority of the season, but at last the light - Oliver Glasner - arrived and they have to stress no longer.

Oliver Glasner has introduced a previously unexperienced sense of optimism and confidence to matchdays, bringing expectations of bodies on the line, relentless pressing, and of course, forward-thinking football.

A seven-goal thriller and one-sided performance against West Ham demonstrated a style of play radically different to the previous football under Roy Hodgson, perhaps encapsulated best by centre-back Joachim Andersen assisting Palace’s opener with a cross from the left wing.

Crystal Palace will now wish to capitalise on an injury-depleted Newcastle side as they play under the lights at Selhurst Park tomorrow night, as they aim to end the season on a high-note ahead of a much-needed break.

Stat of the Week

Crystal Palace have played just three home games with both Eze & Olise starting. Eze has 4 goals and an assist whilst Olise has 4 goals and 3 assists. Crystal Palace have won all of these matches.

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United Team News

A new injury is in the books for Crystal Palace as defender Rob Holding is ruled out with a hamstring injury. The £4m man has played only 90 minutes this season, all coming in Palace’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup back in September. Marc Guehi, Cheick Doucoure, Matheus Franca, Sam Johnstone, Jefferson Lerma and Jerusun Rak-Sakyi are all still missing from action. Adam Wharton was subbed off early in the 61st minute against West Ham but Oliver Glasner has confirmed he is (thankfully) fit to play tomorrow against The Magpies.

Newcastle United are arguably one of the teams most impacted by injuries this season having lost 1,658 days through injury this season. They are currently missing 11 players from their squad: Calum Wilson, Jamal Lascelles, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Miley, Matt Target, Miguel Almiron, Nick Pope, Sven Botman and of course Sandro Tonali is still suspended.

Crystal Palace should be looking to take advantage of this weakened side and attack the game with tenacity, however having played on Sunday and with the Fulham match to consider - these high levels of football may challenge our squad’s fitness.

Cal's Analysis

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have arguably been impacted the most by injuries this season, yet their style and shape never seems to change. The Magpies set themselves up in a 4-3-3, they are arguably one of the most hardest-working teams in the league, especially out of possession - where they constantly look to apply pressure to the opposition in order to force a quick turnover and start a counter-attack towards their opponent’s goal. Howe’s principles remain largely the same - no matter the starting lineup.  

It has been largely in defence where injuries occur most for the Toon, yet they have still managed to be joint 2nd [with Everton] for clean sheets in the league this season [10], only behind Arsenal [15]. Breaking down a makeshift defence that has also kept two consecutive clean sheets may prove difficult for Palace, but after their 5-2 hammering over West Ham, goals are not proving to be a problem for Oliver Glasner’s men. 

As well as keeping it tight at the back Newcastle are free flowing in attack, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gorden both in good form. Both forwards carry bags of pace and this can be an area which may see some success for Newcastle, - they have scored the 3rd most goals from counter attacks in the league this season [7]. Something that this Palace team lacks is pace, but as the weeks have passed we have seen Glasner’s team put together much more complete performances throughout games - rather than in short spells. A really encouraging sign heading into the last few games of the season and into a big summer for the Eagles. 

Player to Watch: Anthony Gordon

It’s challenging to look at the Newcastle United squad and select one standout individual to watch - especially from the front three. However, Gordon and Isak are debatably the biggest threats going forward.

Although Isak is a first-rate goalscorer with 17 goals to his name this season, Gordon is a two-pronged monster, not only has he scored 10 from the right-wing, but also has managed 8 assists in the premier league this season.

Anthony Gordon has been on fine form this season with 0.6 G+A per 90 minutes. Last match, Newcastle played Tottenham at home and the young winger both scored and had 2 assists to his name as the Toons walked away with a 4-0 victory against the London-based club.

Gordon is this week’s player to watch and it’ll be interesting to see how Tyrick Mitchell deals with him.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace: Henderson(GK); Mitchell, Richards, Andersen, Clyne, Munoz; Wharton, Hughes; Eze, Mateta, Olise.

Newcastle United: Dubravka(GK); Burn, Schar, Krafth, Murphy; Anderson, Guimares, Longstaff; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

Match Officials

Referee: Tom Bramall

Assistants: Tim Wood, Steve Meredith

Fourth Official: Tim Robinson

VAR: Chris Kavangh

Assistant VAR: Mark Scholes

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