Newcastle United host Crystal Palace on Sunday, looking to maintain their impressive unbeaten home run that stretches back to September.
Eddie Howe’s side successfully closed out 2025 with a victory at Burnley and now aims to use their Tyneside advantage to climb toward the European places. Crucially, a win today would see the Magpies leapfrog their visitors in the Premier League standings.
Furthermore, the Tyneside outfit has a chance to equal a long-standing club record. Newcastle have kept four consecutive home clean sheets against Palace; another shutout today would match their best-ever run of five in a row against a single opponent, set between 1994 and 1998. With key defenders returning to the fold, Howe will be confident in his team’s ability to maintain their defensive discipline.
Newcastle Team News
Eddie Howe confirmed a major boost for the Magpies, as Lewis Hall has been passed fit to feature at left-back. Hall emerged from the Burnley match unscathed despite playing through the pain of a twisted ankle. Additionally, a quartet of first-team regulars is nearing a return; Kieran Trippier, Valentino Livramento, and Sven Botman have all resumed training and are expected to be included in the matchday squad. Botman, in particular, has been training with the group and could see his first minutes of 2026.
However, the Magpies are not yet at full strength. Emil Krafth, Dan Burn, and Jamaal Lascelles remain confirmed absentees, along with Anthony Elanga, who is still a short time away from returning to full team training. Consequently, Malick Thiaw and Fabian Schär are expected to anchor the central defence in front of Nick Pope. In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will likely partner Bruno Guimarães, who has already netted six league goals this season.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup
Newcastle United predicted XI: Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schär, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at St. James’ Park on Sunday, 4 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
How to watch Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace?
This match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
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