Football
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 04, 2026 Venue: St James’ Park Kickoff Time: 17:00 As the atmosphere builds and the stakes rise, this encounter has all the ingredients of a fascinating Premier League night. For Premier League betting fans, this matchup presents an intriguing balance of expectation and potential value. Newcastle are desperate to turn their fortunes around as they continue their pursuit of consistency among the league’s upper tier. For Eddie Howe’s side, this is an opportunity to impose control early, dominate territory, and remind visitors why few teams leave Tyneside unscathed. Crystal Palace, however, travels north with quiet determination, especially after a tough few games. Despite the sudden dip in form, Palace have built a respectable reputation for resilience and tactical discipline under Oliver Glasner, which has seen them compete with the very best.
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Eddie Nketiah and Sandro Tonali/Getty Images
The stage is set at St James’ Park, where Newcastle welcome Crystal Palace in a fixture brimming with anticipation, contrast, and tactical intrigue on 04 January 2026. Under the floodlights of one of English football’s most imposing venues, this contest carries significance for both sides, keeping it finely poised as three vital points are within reach.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME (NEWCASTLE): 79/100 (1.79) – 55.9%
DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
AWAY (CRYSTAL PALACE): 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
Odds courtesy of Xyes.com, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
16/04/2025: Newcastle 5-0 Crystal Palace
30/11/2024: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle
24/04/2024: Crystal Palace 2-0 Newcastle
21/10/2023: Newcastle 4-0 Crystal Palace
21/01/2023: Crystal Palace 0-0 Newcastle
Newcastle Current Form – LDWLD
Newcastle finds themselves way down the pecking order and have not been their very best by any stretch of the imagination. Eddie Howe will know the importance of every game and how much value each point holds going forward, especially with aspirations to build momentum and work their way towards European qualification.
The last five games for Newcastle have been largely overshadowed by inconsistency, which has seen them fail to secure back-to-back victories in the league since last November. After defeating Fulham to advance to the semi-final of the EFL Cup, the Magpies shared the spoils with Chelsea and lost to Man United in a fixture where they lacked their usual cutting edge.
Going into the Burnley game, a rapid response was required to lay the foundation for what lies ahead, and Howe’s men showed character with a strong display on the day. Now beginning the new year with the first of four home fixtures, Newcastle have the opportunity to go on a strong run, which must start here against the unpredictable Crystal Palace.
Key Players To Watch
- Anthony Gordon: Gordon has seen his game transform from being a raw talent at Everton to becoming a key player for Newcastle. He has improved his decision-making in the final third, fits perfectly into Howe’s attacking system, and his relentless work ethic has made him one of the most effective wingers.
- Sandro Tonali: Tonali has received high praise for his game since arriving at Tyneside. He is extremely comfortable on the ball, allowing him to act as a deep-lying playmaker or further up in advanced areas as an attacking midfielder, making him a formidable presence for the Magpies.
- Nick Woltemade: Woltemade is loving life at Newcastle and continues to reward the hierarchy and fans for showing faith in him. His playing style is a mix of a number nine and a number ten, combining skill, close ball control, and expert finishing, making him a tough forward to face.
Newcastle Team News
Jamaal Lascelles (muscle) has been dealing with a muscle injury and is hoping to return to the matchday squad soon. Tino Livramento (knee) has made a strong recovery from a knee injury he sustained against Fulham in the EFL Cup and is expected to return in two to three weeks. Dan Burn (ribs) is closing in on a return after suffering a fractured rib and a damaged lung.
Crystal Palace Current Form – LDLDL
Crystal Palace has transformed the entire organization since appointing Oliver Glasner at the helm. Glasner came in and went straight to work, instilling confidence and belief, while creating a system that has not only earned them a reputation as a team that will put you to the sword, but also taken them from mid-table struggles to competing high up on the table.
That said, coming into this fixture, Palace have seen a dip in form and are desperate to regain momentum. The Eagles drew with KuPS Kuopio in the Europa Conference League, were beaten by Leeds at Elland Road, faced both London clubs, and were eliminated by Arsenal in the EFL Cup, before narrowly losing to Tottenham.
Having a few days to reflect and starting the year off with a home fixture against Fulham, it gave them a clean slate to inject renewed energy into an improved performance before turning their attention to Newcastle. Glasner will head to Tyneside looking to frustrate the home side by staying composed under pressure and taking this opportunity to make a statement.
Key Players To Watch
- Yeremy Pino: Pino is a dynamic attacking player who has fitted in perfectly to Palace’s style. A primary strength is his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, using skill and acceleration to make bursting runs into advanced areas. He's intelligent off the ball and is a significant threat in front of goal.
- Adam Wharton: Wharton is a rising star in English football and loves to be involved at both ends of the pitch. He’s elite at moving the ball forward, technically gifted with exceptional technique, has expert vision, and excellent football IQ, making him a vital player in transitioning from defence to attack.
- Jean Philippe-Mateta: Mateta is a powerful, mobile target man who excels as a focal point striker. He’s adept at holding up play, linking midfield with attack, has intelligent movement off the ball, and is a natural goal scorer. The Frenchman will play a pivotal role in Palace securing the victory in this fixture.
Crystal Palace Team News
Ismaila Sarr is away on international duty. Daichi Kamada (hamstring) suffered a serious hamstring injury against Man City and is targeting a return in late February at best. Daniel Munoz (knee) is working hard on his return to full fitness after having minor knee surgery.
Predicted Line-Up
Newcastle: 4-2-3-1
Ramsdale, Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Gordon, Barnes, WoltemadeCrystal Palace: 3-6-1
Henderson, Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi, Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Devenny, Pino, Mateta.
Suggested Bets from Xyes.com
Get ahead with strategic insights that help you make smarter decisions with this bookmaker.
Newcastle To Win: Newcastle are favourites to win this fixture, especially playing at St James’ Park. 77/100 (1.79)
Totals (Over 2.5): Both teams have significant attacking threats and have shown to give up goals when under pressure. 4/5 (1.80)
Both Teams To Score (Yes): Palace and Newcastle have shown vulnerabilities recently, making both teams to score an appealing option. 67/100 (1.67)
Value Bets from Xyes.com
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First Half – Both Teams To Score (Yes): This fixture will see both teams attack each other from the first whistle to the last. 3/1 (4.00)
Newcastle First Goal Scorer (Nick Woltemade): The German loves playing in front of the home crowd and will be determined to get his name on the score sheet. 14/5 (3.80)
Last Team To Score (Crystal Palace): The Eagles don’t usually take their foot off the pedal and often attack until the final whistle, resulting in late goals. 33/20 (2.65)
Prediction: Newcastle to Win
League position is not a factor in this fixture, as both teams are worthy of collecting maximum points on the day. However, Newcastle is a force to be reckoned with at St James’ Park, and even though Palace will be determined to cause an upset, the Magpies will have enough to come away victorious and extend their unbeaten run against the Eagles at home.
A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.
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