Newcastle United’s first game since Steve Bruce’s departure sees them travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Magpies are second from bottom in the table with only three points to their name, having failed to win any of their opening eight games this season.
A classic Palace counter ⚡️#CPFC pic.twitter.com/uwMmeakUIr— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 19, 2021
A classic Palace counter ⚡️#CPFC pic.twitter.com/uwMmeakUIr
The Eagles, meanwhile, find themselves fourteenth – five points ahead of Newcastle – after winning just one of their first eight outings this term.
Crystal Palace came from behind to lead Arsenal 2-1 on Monday, only to concede a 95th-minute equaliser at the Emirates Stadium.
Partrick Vieira’s men have now drawn each of their previous three league matches, with their sole victory coming almost six weeks ago against Tottenham.
Following a disappointing end to the previous campaign, the Eagles have managed to win just one of their last 11 Premier League games. That said, they have only lost one of their previous seven.
Although Palace have struggled to turn draws into wins this season, there is sense that Vieira is taking the club in the right direction.
On the flip side, Newcastle finally parted ways with Steve Bruce on Wednesdays following a lengthy spell of uncertainly concerning the manager’s position.
Bruce can’t have any complaints, though, as the Magpies have failed to win any of their eight Premier League games this term.
Having registered three draws and five losses so far, along with an EFL Cup defeat, it’s fair to say that Newcastle have endured a dismal start to the 2021/22 campaign.
Worse still, Newcastle have managed to win just one of their previous ten encounters across all competitions.
Trends also show that both teams have scored in each of Newcastle’s last six matches in the Premier League.
Head-to-head: Across the past four meetings between Crystal Palace and Newcastle, both sides have picked up two wins.
It is also worth noting that eight of the previous nine encounters between the teams have produced under 2.5 goals, so we should see a low-scoring affair on Saturday.
Team news: Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson remain absent through injury. On a brighter note, Wilfried Zaha is expected to return this weekend.
Paul Dummett is Newcastle’s only injury absentee, while Jonjo Shelvey is suspended after seeing red last time out.
Both sides will be eager to avoid defeat on Saturday, making a draw the most likely outcome. Judging by recent meetings, there won’t be too many goals either.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Crystal Palace and Newcastle will play out a low-scoring stalemate at Selhurst Park.