Newcastle vs Crystal Palace Predictions

• Seven of Newcastle’s nine home league games have featured over 2.5 goals
• The hosts have scored at least twice in their last 10 matches at St James’ Park
• Crystal Palace are winless in six, losing 4-1 at Leeds in their previous league trip
• Wissa has scored in both starts for Newcastle this season

Palace slide down the standings

Crystal Palace have fallen to 10th place in the Premier League after a four-game winless run, while the Eagles are now without a victory across their previous six matches in all competitions.

Fatigue is taking its toll on the Palace players, who have been juggling league commitments with the Conference League since August. The visitors face their fifth game in the space of 15 days on Sunday, away to a Newcastle side with a strong record at St James’ Park.

Magpies can make up for defensive struggles

Newcastle have conceded in 12 consecutive games, which is their longest run without a clean sheet under the same manager since 2007. Defensive issues have plagued them in the league, having only managed to shut out Nottingham Forest and bottom club Wolves at home this term.

However, Eddie Howe’s side have compensated for that with a fine run in front of goal at home. The Magpies have scored at least twice in 10 straight home matches, with seven of those games featuring three goals or more.

Over 2.5 goals has landed in seven of Newcastle’s nine home matches this term, with 3.11 goals scored per game on average.

Wissa impressing as Johnson in line for debut

Yoane Wissa started in Newcastle’s 3-1 win at Burnley on Tuesday and the forward should hold on to his place in the side this weekend. The former Brentford striker scored at St James’ Park against Fulham in the cup last month, meaning he has scored in both of his starts this season.

Wissa had four shots against Burnley and he should get more chances this weekend, given Newcastle’s fine home form and the poor run Palace are on.

However, the visitors have been given a boost in the final third, with club-record signing Brennan Johnson set to feature in the squad. He can add to the Eagles’ threat going forward, but their defence looks vulnerable to a high-scoring Newcastle side. The hosts should come out on top, but over 2.5 goals is the standout selection.