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2 months ago
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Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s game at Selhurst Park.
Eddie Howe and his players are guaranteed to remain in sixth if getting all three points against Crystal Palace.
Pointing out to BBC Sport what he sees as the relevant situations of the two clubs, is Chris Sutton getting it right this time?
Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 22 April 2024:
“Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday.
“Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side’s attacking threat.
“Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it.
“They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.
“Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 Newcastle 1”
So what to make of what the BBC Sport man has said?
Well, I agree with Chris Sutton that this has the makings of a very good match.
I think Crystal Palace will attack and Newcastle United for sure will do the same,
It may well be also the case that Palace do win this match, although personally, I think very much more likely Newcastle United will do.
The BBC Sport pundit says that ‘Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too’, well reality is that only Man City are above NUFC in the Premier League form table covering the last six games.
I find it interesting when comparing the most recent game that each of the two clubs have played.
Newcastle United were up against a Tottenham side with everything to play for, desperate for the win to help their Champions League qualifying chances, yet Eddie Howe’s side totally outclassed them and Spurs were lucky to lose only 4-0.
Palace’s 5-2 win on Sunday was deserved for sure BUT it was against a totally demoralised West Ham side who have pretty much nothing to play for now, the Hammers looked knackered in the second half on Thursday when going out of the Europa League to Bayer Leverkusen. I thought it was nailed on that Palace would beat them and after the game David Moyes said he was embarrassed by how poor West Ham had been.
I also accept that Eze, Olise and Mateta played well in that 5-2 victory BUT I certainly wouldn’t swap them for Gordon, Barnes and Isak.
We have also had strong hints that the likes of Callum Wilson and others could be back in the squad for this match, from the treatment room, potentially Newcastle having a far better bench than has been the case so often these past six months.
You also have to factor in that whilst Newcastle have had 11 days to rest and prepare, Palace played on Sunday, then after Wednesday night have another London ‘derby’ against Fulham on Saturday. So I can’t see Oliver Glasner playing the same starting eleven in all three, especially players such as Eze and Olise who have suffered with injuries this season.
Bottom line for me is that Newcastle United can play anywhere near the levels they showed against Tottenham, then I think it will be an away victory. If Newcastle take their chances AND no gifts at the other end of the pitch.

 
